The term "friable" is most often associated with which material?

The term "friable" is most commonly associated with asbestos. In the context of building materials, friable refers to a substance that can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure. Asbestos, when dry and crumbled, can release fibers into the air, posing a significant health risk if inhaled. This characteristic is essential when assessing the potential dangers of asbestos in a property, especially when it comes to remediation and safety regulations.

Understanding the nature of friable asbestos is crucial for real estate professionals, as it dictates how they should approach inspections, disclosures, and any necessary abatement actions. Other materials mentioned, such as radon gas and lead-based paint, do not share this specific physical property; while they can also pose health risks, they do not have the same friable characteristic that asbestos does.