Asbestos tiles were a common building material used extensively from the early to mid-20th century due to their durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties. However, the discovery of the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure has made the identification and safe removal of these tiles a priority for homeowners and contractors alike.
This article will delve into the various names asbestos tiles are known by, how to recognize them, and the best practices for their safe removal.
Alternative Names for Asbestos Tiles
Asbestos tiles are known by several names, which can sometimes make their identification challenging. Some of the common terms include:
- Vinyl Asbestos Tiles (VAT): These are vinyl tiles that were manufactured with asbestos fibers mixed into the vinyl resin.
- Asphalt Asbestos Tiles: Made primarily from asphalt and gilsonite, these tiles often have a darker appearance.
- Resilient Flooring: A term that encompasses various types of durable flooring materials, including those containing asbestos.
- Vinyl Composition Tiles (VCT): Modern VCTs may not contain asbestos, but older versions often did.
- Acoustic Ceiling Tiles: Also known as drop ceilings or suspended ceilings, these may contain asbestos, especially those installed before the 1990s.
- Kentile Floors: A brand name that became synonymous with asbestos flooring due to its widespread use.
Understanding these alternative names can help in identifying potential asbestos-containing materials in your home or workplace.
How to Recognize Asbestos Tiles
Identifying asbestos tiles can be tricky, but certain indicators can help you determine whether your tiles might contain asbestos:
1. Age of the Building or Tiles
- Construction Date: Buildings constructed between the 1920s and 1990s are more likely to contain asbestos tiles.
- Renovation History: If the property hasn’t undergone flooring renovations since before the 1990s, there’s a higher chance that the tiles contain asbestos.
2. Tile Size and Appearance
- Tile Dimensions: Asbestos floor tiles commonly came in sizes of 9×9 inches, 12×12 inches, and 18×18 inches.
- Color and Pattern: While asbestos tiles came in various colors, darker tiles were often asphalt-based and more likely to contain asbestos.
- Greasy or Oily Look: Some asbestos tiles may have an oily sheen due to the asphalt content.
3. Adhesive Used
- Black Mastic Adhesive: A black, tar-like adhesive often used to install asbestos tiles can be a strong indicator.
4. Brand Identification
- Known Brands: Tiles from brands like Kentile, Armstrong, Congoleum-Nairn, Everwear, Sears & Roebuck, and Montgomery Ward may contain asbestos.
- Product Stamps: Check for brand names or product information on spare tiles or beneath loose tiles.
5. Professional Testing
- Asbestos Testing Kits: Available for purchase, these kits allow you to collect a sample safely and send it to a lab for analysis.
- Professional Assessment: Hiring a certified asbestos inspector can provide a definitive answer.
Safety Precaution
Always assume that tiles contain asbestos if you’re unsure. Avoid disturbing the tiles until they’ve been tested, as breaking or damaging them can release asbestos fibers into the air.
Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can become airborne when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed. Inhalation of these fibers can lead to serious health issues, including:
- Mesothelioma: A rare cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, chest, or abdomen.
- Lung Cancer: Prolonged exposure increases the risk significantly.
- Asbestosis: Scarring of lung tissue leading to chronic breathing issues.
- Other Cancers: Including those of the larynx, ovaries, and gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure, making early detection and prevention crucial.
Legal Implications
- Disclosure Requirements: Homeowners are legally required to disclose the presence of asbestos when selling a property.
- Regulations on Removal: Many jurisdictions have strict regulations governing the removal and disposal of asbestos materials.
- Professional Abatement: In commercial settings, only licensed professionals are permitted to remove asbestos-containing materials.
How to Safely Remove Asbestos Tiles
Option 1: Covering the Tiles
- New Flooring Installation: If the asbestos tiles are intact and undamaged, you can install new flooring over them.
- Benefits: This method reduces the risk of fiber release and is often less costly.
- Disclosure: Future buyers should be informed about the underlying asbestos tiles.
Option 2: Professional Removal
- Hire Licensed Professionals: Certified asbestos abatement companies have the expertise and equipment to remove asbestos safely.
- Proper Disposal: Professionals will ensure that asbestos waste is disposed of according to local regulations.
- Air Monitoring: Post-removal air testing can confirm that the area is safe for re-occupancy.
Option 3: DIY Removal (Not Recommended)
If you choose to remove asbestos tiles yourself, extreme caution is necessary:
Safety Precautions
- Protective Gear: Wear a HEPA-filtered respirator, disposable coveralls, gloves, and eye protection.
- Wet Removal Method: Keep the tiles wet to minimize dust.
- Avoid Breaking Tiles: Remove them intact if possible.
- Seal the Work Area: Use plastic sheeting to prevent contamination of other areas.
- Proper Disposal: Place waste in approved asbestos disposal bags and follow local guidelines.
Legal Considerations
- Permits: Check if a permit is required for asbestos removal in your area.
- Disposal Sites: Locate an approved asbestos waste disposal facility beforehand.
Final Steps
- Air Quality Testing: After removal, have the air tested for asbestos fibers.
- Cleaning: Use wet wiping and HEPA vacuuming to clean the area thoroughly.
Conclusion
Asbestos tiles, once hailed for their durability and fire resistance, now pose significant health risks due to the dangers of asbestos exposure. Recognizing these tiles involves a combination of assessing the building’s age, examining tile characteristics, and, most definitively, professional testing. While covering intact tiles is a safer short-term solution, removal may be necessary if the tiles are damaged. Due to the health hazards involved, hiring licensed professionals for removal and disposal is highly recommended to ensure safety and compliance with legal regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Asbestos Information
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Asbestos Safety and Health Topics
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): Asbestos Page
By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, you can effectively manage asbestos tiles in your property, ensuring a safe environment for all occupants.