Testing For Asbestos Contaminated Floor Tiles

Submitted By: E. Johnston
If you have an older home that includes certain types of flooring such as asphalt tiles, vinyl and even sheet vinyl, it may have been installed using material that contains asbestos. It may be a surprise to learn that asbestos has been used for 100's of years in many cultures. It was a popular building material due to its strength, durability and flame resistant properties.

Unfortunately, during the industrial revolution, asbestos became very popular and, at the time, was thought to be a good material for using to build new homes and businesses. Of course, by the 1980's, the link between asbestos and mesothelioma was apparent and could no longer able to be challenged by the makers. It was clear that asbestos was not the safe, durable product that had been advertised and in fact posed serious health risks to individuals who had been exposed to it.

Of course, once the harmful effects of asbestos became apparent, the use of asbestos was reduced dramatically, but many homes and businesses were still left with asbestos in the structure’s walls, ceilings and flooring.

What if My Tile Floor Tests Positive for Asbestos?

Tile flooring installed between the 1950's and through the early 1980's may contain asbestos. If the tiles are in good shape and intact, there may be no reason to remove the asbestos material. You cannot become contaminated by asbestos simply by walking on tiled flooring in which asbestos was used. Generally, you cannot tell if the tile was installed using asbestos just by visually looking at it.

However, asbestos becomes dangerous when you disturb it, such as by pulling up the tile and placing new tile or flooring. The dust and fumes created upon removal can get into your lungs, and you may become sick several years later. In some cases, people do not exhibit symptoms of asbestos exposure until up to 10 to 60 years after the initial exposure. Many people may have replaced their floor tiles without even realizing that they contained asbestos, which means that they took no precautions when replacing the flooring.

Many people who are exposed to asbestos when it is disturbed, by changing tiles, may be at risk for developing mesothelioma, a serious asbestos related cancer. Now that the health concerns regarding asbestos are better known, it is vital to avoid removing tile in your home if it was installed before 1980. Instead, you will want to have it tested by a professional to see if asbestos is present. If asbestos is present, then you have to decide, with the help of the professional, the best course of action. If the tile is loose and chipped, replacing it may be the best option.

You do not want to remove asbestos tiles on your own. You will need to hire a professional to change the tile so that there is no risk to you and your family.

Final Thoughts

Many people who were unknowingly exposed to asbestos have become ill years later with several different kinds of cancers and breathing issues