How is the friability of a material best defined?

Friability of a material best refers to the ease with which it crumbles and releases fibers. This property is particularly relevant in the context of materials like asbestos or other fibrous substances, where the potential for fiber release upon disturbance can pose significant health risks through inhalation.

Understanding friability is critical in occupational hygiene, as friable materials can become airborne easily and lead to exposure. Assessing a material's friability helps in evaluating its safety in a working environment and determining necessary precautions or remediation actions. Materials that are deemed non-friable are generally considered safer, as they are less likely to release harmful fibers into the air.

In contrast, the other definitions provided do not capture the essence of friability. For instance, the size of the material pieces does not reflect its potential to crumble, while color and texture do not imply any information about the material's safety or fiber release. Similarly, the environmental impact addresses a broader concern, which is separate from the specific definition of friability.