Asbestos, though once a common building material, has marked buildings across the world. Among the most common usages for this mineral were floor tiles, mostly for durability and fire resistance, soundproofing being among its other principal qualities. In the last couple of decades, however, the use of asbestos itself has been highly regulated or banned in many countries upon recognition of it being a dangerous carcinogen. This article reviews general guidelines from a historical point of view of risk and safety concerns about how to deal with asbestos floor tiles.
Asbestos-containing floor tile was widely used from the mid-20th century up to the 1980s both in homes, institutions, and in industrial applications.
These were typically comprised of vinyl or cement added with natural mineral fibers, usually asbestos. Asbestos made the tiles stronger and much more heat and fire-resistant and could last longer. This accounts for their presence in kitchens and bathrooms, hallways, and any place that is subjected to heavy traffic, since they were so resistant to wear and tear, and easy to clean.
There were primarily two assorted styles of asbestos-containing floor tile commonly produced:
1. Vinyl-Asbestos Tiles: Vinyl resin binder combined with asbestos fibers in making these tiles. It was flexible, very easily cut, and resistant to stains.
2. Cement-Asbestos Tiles: These were prepared by mixing asbestos with cement; heavier, these tiles were durable and could withstand many forces applied.
They are found in many colors and patterns, and since asbestos floor tiles were fairly inexpensive, this again accounts for their widespread usage. Whatever the benefits there are with asbestos tiles, the health risks of being exposed to asbestos fibers outweigh them.
Health Effects Related to Asbestos Exposure
The most serious risk associated with asbestos flooring tile is that asbestos fibers may be released into the air. Damaged, broken, or badly removed asbestos tiles can release fibers into the air. When ingested, fibers create severe health conditions such as:
– Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease due to the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Asbestosis can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and reduced lung function, which will get progressively worse over time.
– Lung Cancer: Long-term inhalation of asbestos fibers leads to the increased risk of cancer of the lung. The risk also is increased among workers who have been exposed to asbestos and who smoke.
– Mesothelioma: It is a relatively rare but particularly virulent neoplasm of the serous membrane surrounding the lungs, abdominal cavity, or heart. Mesothelioma has also been clearly linked to asbestos exposure; it usually does not appear until many years after exposure.
Other malignancies for which asbestos exposure has been considered a risk factor include laryngeal, pharyngeal, and ovarian cancer.
The latency period of asbestos-related diseases is very long-the symptomatology can appear 20-40 years later after asbestos exposure. That is why the potential risks should be realized even in those buildings where the asbestos floor tiles were installed many decades ago.
Asbestos Flooring Tiles-How to Identify Them
Asbestos floor tiles cannot be distinguished by their appearance. Asbestos is more likely to be present in older tiles, which were installed before the 1980s. Newer tiles can contain asbestos if they were either manufactured or installed before strict asbestos regulations were in place.
Here are some general guidelines for identifying asbestos-containing tiles:
Age: The possibility of tile laid before the 1980s containing asbestos is extremely high. In case there is doubt about such age, then it would be wiser to obtain the building records or hire a floor date expert.
Tile Type: Vinyl asbestos tiles are usually 9×9 inches, 12×12 inches, or 18×18 inches although there are more sizes that vary for vinyl tile. The cement asbestos tile types are much thicker and heavier.
Pattern and Color: Most asbestos tiles took a few common patterns and colors, but among them are speckle or marbleized designs. Color and pattern do not provide reliable warnings about which tiles contain asbestos.
The only sure way of telling whether floor tiles contain asbestos is to have the material evaluated by an accredited laboratory.
Dangers of Removing Asbestos Floor Tiles
If you suspect that your floor tiles are made of asbestos, then you must undertake very cautiously their removal. This is because in such a situation, the asbestos fibers are released during the scraping or the cutting of these tiles. The disturbance caused by the breaking of these tiles, or sanding or demolishing releases the fibers into the air. In these cases, removal is highly advisable, but also highly advisable to get a professional asbestos abatement contractor because the health risks can be high. The professionals have been trained how to manage asbestos properly, dispose of it properly, and clean up afterwards for protection of all. If you suspect asbestos in your home call Quest Mold & Asbestos Testing & Inspections to schedule an appointment to ensure the safety of your home or workplace.
Safe Handling and Disposal of Asbestos Floor Tiles
If removal is impossible to avoid, and you really must take it upon yourself to do so-which, again, is advisable only under limited circumstances-here are some key safety precautions:
- Leave Tiles Alone: If they remain intact and undisturbed, they are commonly best left alone. Asbestos becomes dangerous only in the process of it being damaged or disturbed.
- Wear protective gear: Disposable coveralls, gloves, and a good-quality, NIOSH-approved respirator can prevent asbestos fibers from reaching your lungs.
- Water-soak the Tiles: Just before attempting to remove the tiles, lightly mist them with water to minimize the potential for release of the fibers.
- Tile Disposal: Place asbestos-containing materials into leak-tight, sealed bags or containers and dispose of them at a facility that is certified for such materials.
Remember that the best people to manage asbestos-containing material are those who handle hazardous materials professionally.
Alternatives of Asbestos Floor Tiles
Most countries banned or severely curtailed asbestos floor tiles for which many replacements were available that were considerably safer. As for modern vinyl, ceramic, and concrete floor tiles can provide the same durability and aesthetic value without the risks associated with asbestos. For such old flooring renovation and replacement, a lot of safe and better alternatives can be chosen.
Conclusion
Asbestos was extensively used in domestic and commercial properties for flooring tiles due to its desirable properties. However, there are hidden dangers associated with their use, which a word of caution is warranted to raise among property owners about the possible effects due to asbestos exposure. In case you work or stay in a building with asbestos tiles, avoid disturbing the tiles and seek professional advice in case renovation or removal of the flooring is required. Proper precautions and awareness will also save you from the pollutant asbestos and the other people around. Please call Quest Testing today if you have any questions regarding asbestos.
