In what form does asbestos become hazardous according to its state?

Asbestos becomes hazardous primarily in its friable form. Friable asbestos refers to material that can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure. This state allows asbestos fibers to become airborne and easily inhaled, posing significant health risks. When asbestos is in a dense or solid state, it is generally encapsulated and less likely to release fibers into the air, thus not posing an immediate health threat. While compressed form may imply some kind of non-releasable state, and solid form suggests stability, it is the friable form that signifies a direct risk due to the potential for fiber release. Understanding this concept is crucial for home inspectors, as identifying friable asbestos in a property can lead to necessary safety precautions and remediation efforts.