What are the two states of asbestos?

Asbestos is categorized primarily into two states: friable and non-friable, which describes its physical condition and the potential risk it poses. Friable asbestos is easily crumbled or pulverized and can release fibers into the air, making it a significant health hazard when disturbed. This includes materials such as insulation that can be easily broken apart. Non-friable asbestos, on the other hand, is more durable and does not readily release fibers into the environment unless it is damaged or significantly worn down. These categories are pivotal in determining how asbestos materials should be handled, maintained, or removed, emphasizing the importance of understanding their physical states in occupational health and safety.

The other options provided do not accurately reflect the physical conditions of asbestos. Solid and liquid are general states of matter but do not specifically describe asbestos. Thermal and electrical refer to properties rather than physical states, and while asbestos can be a natural mineral, synthetic types do not relate to its physical conditions in the context of workplace safety.