Many wonder what makes asbestos so dangerous. In fact, asbestos when it is in its whole, intact state is not at all dangerous. Damaged or “friable” asbestos, however, is a cause for concern. Friable asbestos is asbestos that has gotten old or has been in some way destroyed or damaged so that it now produces dangerous asbestos dust. The tiny fibers in the dust circulate throughout the air and may be inhaled by anyone in the vicinity. Unfortunately, the fibers are sharp and easily embed themselves in the lungs or mesothelium of those exposed, ventually causing scarring and perhaps cancer.