Floor Tile Asbestos Exposure

Armstrong s seneca white image it is likely that this is an asbestos containing floor tile.

Floor tile asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is found naturally in rock and soil. Asbestos has also been used in a wide range of manufactured goods mostly in building materials roofing shingles ceiling and floor tiles paper products and asbestos cement products friction products automobile clutch brake and transmission parts heat resistant fabrics packaging gaskets and coatings. At above left is a 12 x 12 vinyl asbestos floor tile found in a home built in 1969. When these mineral fibers are released into the air and breathed in over long periods of time they can cause lung disease.

Sbestos was once considered a miracle material used in everything from paint and pipe insulation to even tiling. Asbestos floor tile is not. See armstrong floor tile list 1969. Asbestos containing ceiling tiles floor tiles undamaged laboratory cabinet tops shingles fire doors siding shingles etc.

Testing found 3 chrysotile asbestos in this floor tile sample. Manufacturers often made this type of flooring with a friable asbestos backing which means mineral fibers are easily. Vinyl sheet flooring comes in large pieces and is usually cut to the size of the room and laid down in one piece. Identifying asbestos floor tiles.

However once considerable testing proved that it was a killer the miracle became a nightmare to deal with and remove. The properties of asbestos made it an ideal material for use in a number of products including insulation material for buildings boilers and pipes. Reducing exposure to asbestos is the best prevention against asbestosis. Many homes schools and other buildings built before the 1970s have materials such as pipes and floor tiles.

Asbestos vinyl sheet flooring poses a significantly greater asbestos exposure risk than floor tiles or wallpaper. Asbestos floor tile identification photos 1949 1959. If an asbestos ceiling tile is drilled or broken for example it may release fibers into the air. Will not release asbestos fibers unless they are disturbed or damaged in some way.

Webmd explains how you can. The definitive way to find out if tiles contain asbestos is to have them tested. That means it is safe to walk on but not safe to scrape sand or use power tools on. But when vinyl asbestos flooring is in good condition it is considered nonfriable.

When vinyl asbestos flooring is crumbling or damaged it is considered friable. You can either engage an asbestos remediation expert or obtain a test kit for.