November 10th, 2011 by writer

Asbestos tiles may be found in floor and ceiling tiles made of vinyl, asphalt and rubber. Tiles that were manufactured before 1981 may contain asbestos, as well as the following tile material: Paper backing on tiles, Adhesives used to install tile, Linoleum floor tile, 9-inch and 12- inch floor tiles

Vinyl floor tiles that contained asbestos were manufactured from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymers and were used in homes due to the tile’s resistance to abrasion, moisture, oil, grease and acids.

Floor and ceiling tiles that are whole and intact are not considered hazardous, as the asbestos fibers are bound inside the tile. Tiles may emit the fibers if the material has been exposed to heat, water and weathering over time. Floor and ceiling tiles that contain more than 1 percent asbestos may be dangerous if the tiles become friable, or able to be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to a powder with hand pressure.

If you think tiles in your home or workplace contain asbestos, the materials may need to be tested for asbestos. A sample of the tile should be sent to a laboratory that has been accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program and the Bulk Asbestos Program.

Asbestos-containing tiles were manufactured until the mid-1980s and were made out of a combination of limestone, asbestos, plasticizer, stabilizer, binder and pigment. Homeowners who want to replace intact asbestos tiles can cover asbestos floor or ceiling tiles, which avoids damaging the asbestos tiles.

Other methods of replacing or removing asbestos tiles include:

• Enclosing the tile to prevent asbestos fibers from entering the air
• Encapsulating the tile by applying an acrylic substance over the asbestos that seals the asbestos in place
• Removing the asbestos tile with the recommended safety equipment or with the help of trained professionals

Renovation and remodeling projects may disturb asbestos tiles, and the following actions should be avoided:

• Sawing, scraping or drilling asbestos tiles
• Dusting, sweeping or vacuuming asbestos dust or debris
• Using abrasive pads or brushes to remove wax from asbestos flooring
• Attempting to level asbestos materials by sanding the tile or tile adhesive

The removal of asbestos tiles increases the risk of asbestos exposure, as asbestos fibers can be easily dislodged from the tile in the process.

Homeowners are advised to use a licensed asbestos contractor to remove asbestos tiles. Proper equipment, preparation and removal procedures should be followed to properly remove tiles if professional assistance is not utilized.

Asbestos tiles that are removed, repaired or disturbed may emit asbestos fibers into the air if they become damaged or broken. Asbestos fibers that are ingested or inhaled can become lodged in the lungs or digestive tract.

Asbestos exposure has been associated with the development of mesothelioma. The condition can cause serious damage to the organs and tissues, and symptoms may not appear for 20 to 50 years.