Key Takeaways
- Asbestos exists in two forms: friable (loose, crumbly, easily releases fibers into the air) and non-friable (bonded into cement or other materials, generally stable when undisturbed).
- Friable asbestos poses a higher risk because it contains higher concentrations of asbestos and can be crumbled into fine dust with minimal pressure. Common examples include loose-fill insulation and spray-on fireproofing.
- Non-friable asbestos (also called “bonded” asbestos) is mixed with cement or other binding materials — found in building siding, roofing, and floor tiles. It is not dangerous when intact but can become friable when damaged by weather, cutting, drilling, or water blasting.
- OSHA states there is no “safe” level of asbestos exposure for any type of asbestos fiber.
- Houses built between 1930 and 1950 may contain asbestos insulation, and Penn Medicine estimates approximately 30 million homes and buildings in the U.S. contain some form of asbestos-containing material.
- Globally, asbestos exposure causes an estimated 255,000 deaths per year. In the U.S., that figure is approximately 12,000 to 15,000 deaths annually.
The valuable and infamous mineral, asbestos, was discovered in the 1900s to negatively affect human health. Doctors and asbestos workers alike began to notice a disturbing trend. Individuals who were regularly exposed to asbestos, or in this case occupational exposure, were developing horrible respiratory issues. The symptoms ultimately led to the discovery of asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. In response to this, asbestos mines began to close but this did not stop the cases from popping up in the United States. Additionally, the use of these minerals is currently being banned after decades of these adverse health effects. For these regulations to continue, it is important to first establish what asbestos is and the difference between friable and non-friable asbestos.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a family of fibers that includes six types which are “tremolite asbestos, actinolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos, chrysotile asbestos, amosite asbestos, and crocidolite asbestos” (“Types of Asbestos – Chrysotile Asbestos, Tremolite Asbestos”). Out of these types, chrysotile is the most commonly used in products and insulation. Due to its heat-resistant properties, it made its presence in buildings, shipyards, and automobiles (“Types of Asbestos – Chrysotile Asbestos, Tremolite Asbestos”).
Friable Asbestos
This type of asbestos is recognized to pose a higher risk compared to non-friable asbestos. Friable asbestos contains qualities that are “generally quite loose and, when dry, can be crumbled into fine material or dust with light pressure” (“Types of Asbestos-Containing Material”). These are additionally reported to be more dangerous because they contain higher levels of asbestos. Some of the products that register as friable asbestos include insulation or loose-fill asbestos as described by the NSW Government.
Non-friable Asbestos
This type of asbestos is recognized to pose a lower risk compared to friable asbestos. They are additionally recognized as “bonded” asbestos given its use. The difference between the two lies in the presentation of the asbestos. In this type, the asbestos is “mixed with cement or other bonding materials” (“Asbestos and Health Risks – Fact Sheets”). While it is not dangerous when presented in materials like building siding or roofing, it can quickly transition into being friable. This can occur when the asbestos-related product is damaged by the weather or by being cut, drilled, water blasted or similar” (“Asbestos and Health Risks – Fact Sheets”).
Removing Asbestos
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports there is no “safe” level of asbestos exposure for any type of asbestos fiber” (“Asbestos – Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration”). Therefore, it is extremely important to take precautionary measures when removing the mineral from your home if present. Houses that were built between “1930 and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation” (“Asbestos in the Home”). In addition to this, Penn Medicine claims that this estimates “approximately 30 million homes and buildings in the U.S. with some form of asbestos-containing material”. The precautionary measures include wearing gloves, eliminating the use of sweeping or abrasive strippers, and if major pieces need to be removed then it is recommended to consult with a professional asbestos remover.
Health Effects
As previously mentioned, there is no safe amount of asbestos inhalation. This leads to an “estimated 255,000 deaths” globally each year (Furuya et al.). In America alone, this constitutes roughly “12,000 to 15,000” individuals each year according to Asbestos Nation. The diagnoses that arise from asbestos exposure include mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can occur in vital organs like the lungs, abdomen, heart, and more rarely the testicles. It originates in the mesothelial tissue and can closely expand to nearer organs or distant ones. There are roughly 3000 mesothelioma diagnoses each year in the United States (“Key Statistics About Malignant Mesothelioma”). This is different from asbestosis which involves a scarring of the “organs or triggering the growth of excess tissue, a condition known as fibrosis” (Nation). This diagnosis presents roughly “1,451” cases each year in the United States (Nation).
If you or someone you know has been affected by asbestos exposure or mesothelioma in the state of Pennsylvania, please fill out this contact form for a free consultation or call 1 (800) 505-6000 for legal help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between friable and non-friable asbestos?
The distinction is about how easily asbestos fibers can become airborne:
- Friable asbestos is loose and crumbly — it can be reduced to fine dust or powder with light hand pressure alone. It contains higher concentrations of asbestos and poses a greater immediate health risk. Examples include loose-fill insulation and spray-on fireproofing.
- Non-friable asbestos (also called “bonded” asbestos) is mixed into a binding material like cement, vinyl, or resin. When intact and undisturbed, it does not release fibers. Examples include cement siding, roofing shingles, and floor tiles.
The critical point is that non-friable asbestos can become friable when damaged — through weathering, cutting, drilling, sanding, or demolition.
Which type of asbestos is more dangerous?
Friable asbestos is more immediately dangerous because its loose structure means microscopic fibers can become airborne with minimal disturbance — even light hand pressure is enough. Once airborne, these fibers can be inhaled and become embedded in lung tissue. However, OSHA states that there is no safe level of exposure to any type of asbestos fiber, whether friable or non-friable. Non-friable asbestos becomes equally dangerous the moment it is damaged or disturbed.
Can non-friable asbestos become friable?
Yes. Non-friable asbestos can transition to a friable state when the material it is bonded into is damaged, weathered, cut, drilled, sanded, water blasted, or demolished. For example, asbestos cement siding that has been intact for decades becomes dangerous the moment it cracks, crumbles, or is broken during renovation. This is why any work on older buildings should include an asbestos assessment before materials are disturbed.
Does my home contain asbestos?
If your home was built between 1930 and 1950, there is a significant chance it contains asbestos insulation. Penn Medicine estimates that approximately 30 million homes and buildings in the United States contain some form of asbestos-containing material. Common locations include insulation, floor tiles, roofing shingles, siding, textured paints, and pipe wrapping. If you suspect asbestos in your home, do not disturb the materials — have a professional inspection conducted before beginning any renovation work.
How should asbestos be removed from a home?
If asbestos-containing materials need to be removed, precautionary measures are essential:
- Wear protective gloves and appropriate respiratory protection
- Do not sweep — sweeping can make fibers airborne
- Do not use abrasive strippers on asbestos-containing surfaces
- Wet the material before handling to reduce airborne fiber release
- For major removal projects, hire a licensed asbestos abatement professional
In Pennsylvania, the Department of Environmental Protection regulates asbestos removal, and the Department of Labor and Industry requires that all professionals handling asbestos hold proper certification under the Pennsylvania Asbestos Occupations and Certification Act of 1990.
What are the six types of asbestos?
There are six recognized types of asbestos fibers:
- Chrysotile — the most commonly used type in products and insulation
- Amosite
- Crocidolite
- Tremolite
- Actinolite
- Anthophyllite
Chrysotile is the only type still regularly used in the United States, and the EPA finalized a ban on it in 2024. All six types are considered dangerous and linked to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
What diseases can asbestos exposure cause?
Asbestos exposure — whether to friable or non-friable forms — can cause several serious diseases:
- Mesothelioma — a rare, aggressive cancer (~3,000 U.S. cases/year)
- Asbestosis — chronic lung scarring and fibrosis (~1,451 U.S. cases/year)
- Lung cancer — risk significantly increased by asbestos exposure
Globally, asbestos exposure is estimated to cause 255,000 deaths per year. In the United States, that number is approximately 12,000 to 15,000 deaths annually.
