Is Plaster friable or non-friable under normal conditions?

Plaster is generally considered non-friable under normal conditions because it does not easily crumble or break apart into fine particles when handled. Non-friable materials can typically be disturbed or worked with without releasing fibers into the air, which is a key aspect when discussing health risks associated with asbestos and similar materials.

In contrast, friable materials can be crumbled or pulverized into dust with minimal pressure, resulting in higher risks of fiber release into the atmosphere. As a result, knowing whether a material is friable or non-friable is crucial for assessing potential exposure to hazardous substances.

While there are different types of plaster and variations in their composition, standard plaster used in construction does not exhibit the same friability characteristics as materials like asbestos. Therefore, classifying plaster as non-friable is acceptable given its expected behavior under normal handling conditions.