Which of the following is a physical property used to assess asbestos material?

Density and friability are key physical properties used to assess asbestos material because they provide crucial information about the material’s behavior and risk potential. Density refers to the mass of the asbestos material in a given volume, which can influence its stability and integrity. Friability, on the other hand, pertains to how easily the material can crumble or become airborne. Asbestos that is classified as friable poses a higher risk of exposure because it can release harmful fibers into the air with minimal disturbance, making it critical to evaluate in environmental and occupational safety assessments.

Other options, while relevant in various contexts, do not serve as direct indicators of the likelihood of asbestos fibers being released into the air. For example, tensile strength measures a material's resistance to breaking under tension, which isn’t a primary concern in the management of asbestos materials. Chemical composition may help identify asbestos types but does not directly indicate the physical risks associated with its use or deterioration. Color, while sometimes noted, is not a reliable or standardized physical criterion for assessing the safety of asbestos materials. Therefore, focusing on density and friability provides the most meaningful evaluation for ensuring worker safety and managing exposures.