Floor tiles containing asbestos are prevalent in the houses that were built before 1970. Such tiles gained popularity because they were very cheap as compared to the floor covering of other types like marble and wood. These floor tiles could be hazardous to health. If they are damaged or worn, the fibers of asbestos could become airborne or friable. If they are damaged by water, they are still a problem. High traffic could result in mechanical damage. Even removal of floor tiles or sanding could cause the fibers of asbestos to be suspended in air. When the fibers enter air they cause many health issues and illnesses like lung cancer and other diseases. Illnesses related to asbestos are dangerous. They could also be fatal. Such diseases take many years or even decades to show the symptoms.
The removal of floor tiles made of asbestos should be carried out by a reliable asbestos abatement firm. The contractor would take the necessary steps so that asbestos is not released in the air. There is another method of dealing with asbestos. The floor tiles could be covered with another covering. This would not cure the core problem of the existence of asbestos tiles however it is a method of protecting the floor tiles from damage. Another good option is carpeting as a pad is used to install it. The pad with carpeting would help to keep the tiles from any mechanical damage. You only have to ensure that the floor tiles are not damaged while the carpet is being installed. Vinyl and linoleum are the other options for covering tiles containing asbestos.
Potential buyers of the home should be informed of the existence of such tiles. Not disclosing their presence is unethical because if a purchaser decides on removing floor covering that is installed on the asbestos, the existing asbestos tiles could get damaged. Home inspectors would not be able to determine the kind of materials present under new flooring. Asbestos was also used on siding of the homes. The asbestos cement is made of mixture of asbestos fibers and Portland cement. It is hard siding. It was banned in mid-1970s. This siding gained popularity because a key fire prevention association recommended it in 1920 as it could resist fire. The agency recommended the replacement of wood siding that is highly flammable with that made of asbestos that is extremely fire resistant. Use of the asbestos siding became very prominent in 1940s. It was during this decade that many homes installed asbestos siding.
The risks to health associated with the exposure to asbestos grew in 1970 and became very prominent. As voices opposing use of asbestos became louder, in 1973 the federal government banned use of the material from construction products. You have to keep in mind that floor tiles containing asbestos are not dangerous unless you disturb them. Hence it is best to get professional help when dealing with such existing floor tiles.
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