friable is the breaking down of a substance into tiny filaments and particles. Asbestos is harmful only if it is disturbed or exposed, as often occurs during renovation or remodeling. Asbestos is highly friable. This means that as it ages, asbestos fibers break down easily into tiny filaments and particles. When these particles become airborne, they pose a risk to humans.
Barry Goldsmith
| APA | Barry Goldsmith. (2010). friable. Retrieved September 22, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/friable/definitions/1154583 |
| Chicago | Barry Goldsmith. 2010. "friable" http://smartdefine.org/friable/definitions/1154583 (accessed September 22, 2026). |
| Harvard | Barry Goldsmith 2010, friable, Smart Define, viewed 22 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/friable/definitions/1154583>. |
| MLA | Barry Goldsmith. "friable" 21 October 2010. Web. 22 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/friable/definitions/1154583> |