Asbestos Tiles
Asbestos tiles is a substance made from certain naturally occurring fibers that produce strong tiles that insulate well. Because asbestos insulates and provides durability, it once commonly was used in many building materials, including floor and ceiling tiles.
Now we know that asbestos fibers can become airborne and that breathing in the asbestos particles puts a person at risk for serious and possibly fatal lung diseases, causing homeowners and business owners to use caution when they suspect asbestos.
Check the Date
Modern tile made after the 1970s probably does not contain asbestos. Those tiles that do contain asbestos are generally for industrial use and must have a label signifying that they contain asbestos. If you know your tile was installed after 1980, or was manufactured after 1980, you’re likely safe unless you have a material safety data sheet indicating otherwise.
Examine the Tile
Before 1977, Some cement and joint compounds contained asbestos. If you have ceramic tile that was installed prior to 1977 and is in good condition, don’t tear it up if you suspect that the installer used cement containing asbestos. The ceramic tile does not contain asbestos, and disturbing the tiles to check for asbestos cement could dangerously release the fibers into the air.
If your floor tile is made from vinyl or rubber and not ceramic, and was installed before 1980, it may contain asbestos. Look at the tile to determine whether it’s ceramic or another material. Even if it’s made of vinyl or rubber and may contain asbestos, it’s not dangerous to leave it intact if it’s undamaged. If you don’t plan to remodel or improve the floor, leave the tile alone.
Ceiling tiles installed prior to 1980 that are made from insulating paper may contain asbestos. Since these tiles can deteriorate and release asbestos fibers into the air, take care with these materials. If the tile is not in good shape or if you plan to replace it, you will need to have the tile tested.
Once you’ve determined that your tiles may contain asbestos, the only way to know for sure is to hire an asbestos inspector certified by the U.S. government. Choose an inspector who can document his experience in a training conducted or approved by the EPA. The inspector will carry equipment for testing the tile or will send a sample to a laboratory for testing.
