In which state is a material containing asbestos deemed potentially hazardous according to the U.S. EPA?

A material containing asbestos is considered potentially hazardous when it is classified as friable. Friable asbestos is defined as any asbestos-containing material that can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure. This form of asbestos is of particular concern because it can release fibers into the air, posing significant health risks when inhaled. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established criteria for asbestos, emphasizing that friable materials are more likely to become airborne, increasing the likelihood of exposure and associated health hazards, such as lung disease and cancer. In contrast, solid, liquid, and gas forms of asbestos do not fall into the same hazardous category because they do not pose the same risk of airborne fiber release as friable materials do. Understanding the differences in material forms and their potential risks is crucial for effective asbestos management and safety protocols.