What is the definition of non-friable asbestos?

Non-friable asbestos refers to asbestos that is firmly bonded within other materials, such as cement or vinyl, which minimizes its ability to release fibers into the air under normal conditions. This binding in matrix materials makes it less likely to become airborne and pose a risk of exposure. As a result, non-friable asbestos can remain in place if it is in good condition and not disturbed, unlike friable asbestos, which is more easily disturbed and can release fibers into the air, creating a higher risk for inhalation.

The other options present definitions that are inaccurate in the context of non-friable asbestos. For instance, asbestos that easily releases fibers is characteristic of friable asbestos, not non-friable. Chemically treated asbestos suggests a process not typically associated with the classification of asbestos types, and while some non-friable asbestos may be manageable without removal, the term itself primarily emphasizes the asbestos being bound within matrix materials.