Question about asbestos tile and risk?
Question by Tito: Question about asbestos tile and risk?
When removing carpeting from our basement, we found out there were asbestos tiles (or what we believe are asbestos tiles, test results are forthcoming). During the removal of the carpet and tack strips, there was some dust, but I can’t tell if the dust is from the bottom of the carpet or from the tiles. There was some dust when I cut part of the carpet, for example. I would say 98 percent of the tiles are intact, but there are a few that cracked. I keep reading things that it’s OK if they’re cracked but not if they’re sanded or if they can be crushed with your hands (the broken piece cannot). I see conflicting info…and am just wondering how dangerous it is with cracked tiles and ones with holes from the tack strips. Don’t want to overreact but certaintly wouldn’t mind some opinions.
Oh, forgot to mention that we’re going ahead and getting the tiles removed by asbestos abatement pros.
Can you elaborate? We only want it removed because of the cracks and dust that I’m trying to find out about.
Best answer:
Answer by Cave Creek
Sorry to hear that, as the removal of asbestos is far worse than leaving it in place.
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Hi,
The asbestos you have is considered non friable meaning simple hand pressure will not crush it into tiny particles. The removal process may include keeping it wet with soapy water, the tile will be put in 2 plastic bags at 6 mil thickness & labeled. They will then dispose the material to the proper landfill. Keep all receipts, get copies of documented proper disposal.
If the tiles are just cracked, there is almost no safety problem so far. If they are asbestos, have them professionly removed and make sure that group takes all the waste including the carpet (which is technically asbestos now). The dust you were seeing was mostly just that, dust. Floor tiles have to be ground up usually to get dust out of them. Make sure the contractor is licensed by the state and provide you a copy of this and all paperwork (there will be none if not asbestos).
You have overly cautious answers. I would never spend the type of money it’s going to cost to remove something that isn’t dangerous. I’d simply paint the floor with a primer. This will seal the asbestos. Then I’d just prepare the floor for whatever covering I wanted to use. It would be treated like any other rough floor.