Final answer:
The hazardous state of asbestos when it can be easily crumbled or reduced to powder is called 'friable', which leads to a higher risk of releasing fibers into the air and causing serious health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hazardous state of asbestos, when it can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to a powder by hand pressure, is known as being 'friable'. Asbestos in this condition poses significant health risks because its fibers can easily become airborne and inhaled, leading to serious illnesses such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos fibers have historically been used in numerous products and construction materials due to their fiber strength and heat resistance.
Asbestos types like Chrysotile (white), Amosite (brown), and Crocidolite (blue), are commonly found in various settings and have been utilized in building materials, friction products, and heat-resistant fabrics. However, when these asbestos-containing materials become friable, their fibers are more likely to be released into the environment during disturbances, such as demolition or remodeling activities, thus presenting significant health hazards to individuals exposed to them.