Testing for Asbestos Contaminated Floor Tiles

If you have an older home that includes certain typesof flooring such as asphalt tiles, vinyl and even sheet vinyl, it may have beeninstalled using asbestos. It may surprise many to learn that asbestos has beenused for 100's of years in many cultures. It was used due to its strength,durability, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Unfortunately, during the industrial revolution,asbestos became very popular and, at the time, was thought to be a goodmaterial for use building new homes and businesses. Of course, by the 1980's,the link between asbestos and mesothelioma was no longer able to be challengedby the makers. It was clear that asbestos was not the safe, durable productthat had been advertised.

Of course, the use of asbestos fell sharply, but manyhomes and businesses were left with asbestos walls, ceilings and flooring.

What if My Tile Floor Tests Positive for Asbestos?

Tile flooring that was installed between the 1950'sand through the early 1980's may contain asbestos. If the tiles are in goodshape, tightly intact and there is no reason to remove them. You cannot becomecontaminated by asbestos simply by walking on a tiled flooring in whichasbestos was used. Generally, you cannot tell if the tile was installed usingasbestos just by visually looking at it.

Asbestos becomes dangerous when you disturb it, bypulling up the tile and placing new tile or flooring. The dust and fumes canget into your lungs, and you may become sick several years later. Many peoplemay have replaced their floor tiles without even realizing that they containedasbestos, which means that they took no precautions when replacing theflooring.

Many people who are exposed to asbestos when it isdisturbed, by actions such as changing tiles, may be at risk for developingmesothelioma, a serious asbestos related cancer. Now that the health concernsregarding asbestos have been exposed, it is vital to avoid removing tile inyour home if it was installed before 1980. Instead, you will want to have ittested 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 ofaction. If the tile is loose and chipped, replacing it may be the best option.

You do not want to take on the removal process on yourown. You will need to hire a professional to come in and change out the tile sothat they do so without causing risk to you and your family.

Final Thoughts

Many people who have been unknowingly exposed toasbestos have become ill years later with several different kinds of cancers,breathing issues and heart problems.