Friable asbestos can be simply crumbled via hand, which enables the dust to be discharged into the ecosystem straightforwardly, making an extra health risk. Several types of asbestos products, in particular materials created in the decades prior to when the acknowledged dangers were discovered, are now classified as friable, so, solid as they appear, these products can be pulverized, dispersing potentially cancer-causing asbestos filaments with only hand pressure. As asbestos fibers become smaller and lighter, the pieces come to be airborne easily and risks can occur.

Certain types of asbestos have been discovered to generate health risks in humans, partially because they are not easily discharged from the lungs once inhaled. Inhaling asbestos has been correlated with mesothelioma, a form of malignancy which damages the protective covering of the heart. Tenants aren't in the smallest amount of jeopardy from asbestos unless particles are discharged into the air and they inhale the particles. Ingestion of asbestos fibers can happen as a consequence of normal activities, as when remodeling someone's abode.

Due to legal liability concerns, it is wise for interested property buyers to insist upon an asbestos inspection done by a qualified inspector. The hard to paint popcorn ceiling surface used often in the 1970s is often difficult to remove, specifically due to the fact that too often the processes leading to this effect included staggering amounts of asbestos.