What is the term used to describe damage to asbestos-containing material that can release fibers?

The term that denotes damage to asbestos-containing material which can release fibers is friability. Friable asbestos materials are those that can be easily crushed or disturbed, allowing asbestos fibers to become airborne. This characteristic is particularly significant in assessing the risk associated with the material, as friable asbestos poses a greater health hazard due to the potential for inhalation of fibers.

In contrast, the other terms do not accurately capture the essence of this risk. Contamination typically refers to the presence of undesirable substances, but it doesn't specifically address the material's ability to release fibers. Fragility suggests a lack of strength or toughness but doesn't inherently convey the implications for airborne fiber release. Degradation refers to the deterioration of material but is more general and does not specifically imply that the material is friable or poses an immediate risk of fiber release. Understanding the meaning of friability is crucial for asbestos inspectors when evaluating materials for safety and health compliance.