Which percentage of asbestos content qualifies a material as friable?

A material is classified as friable if it contains more than 1% of asbestos. This classification is significant because friable materials can easily release asbestos fibers into the air when disturbed, posing a substantial health risk. The ability for the material to crumble, break down, or be reduced to powder under hand pressure is a key characteristic of friability, leading to greater exposure risk during renovation or demolition activities.

While options indicating less than or equal to 1% may suggest that the material is non-friable, it is essential to note that only materials with more than 1% asbestos are considered friable. This threshold is critical for safety regulations, as it determines the protocols that must be followed during handling and disposal to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure.