What’s The Problem With Asbestos Floor Tiles
Asbestos floor tiles have so many good qualities yet when we read the news or do a search online we find that the bad always outweigh the good. These tiles seem to be made out of the ideal material which makes them resistant to fire. Not only that, but they are relatively inexpensive when compared to some other flooring options. Up until the 1980s asbestos floor tiles were the optimal choice for builders and home improvement specialist to be installed in homes. With so many good qualities why are they not being used anymore and in fact are being removed from some homes?
Let’s flip the coin for a minute and look at the other side of asbestos floor tiles. When these floor tiles become damaged there fibers are released into the air where they can be easily absorbed into the lungs. Once there they cause a host of health problems such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Many experts agree that as long as the tiles stay in placed and undamaged there is no health risk but if they’re disturb a little (such as a scratch) fibers may be released and cause a serious health concern.
There is a cost associated with removing these asbestos floor tiles. But the cost outweigh the risks. There has been those who have decided to just cover the asbestos tiles by installing a new floor over top of them. Since the fibers of asbestos are so small this is not recommended because these fibers can still find their way out from underneath the new flooring if damaged and become airborne. The occupants of the home who may inhaled these microscopic particles are at risk of some serious health concerns.
The only true option that you have when it comes to asbestos floor tiles is to remove the damaged tiles in it’s entirety. This isn’t an easy job and in fact can be very dangerous if not carry out in precise steps according to all EPA regulations. In fact it may even be illegal for an unlicensed worker to removed asbestos floor tiles so if you are a do it your selfer and are thinking about tackling the job be sure and check all laws in your area first. Like most homeworkers you’ll probably come to the conclusion that the cost of removing asbestos flooring from your home by a professional far outweigh the health risks involved.
Asbestos floor tiles were once the ideal choice for residential as well as commercial buildings. It is now believed that these tiles has caused serious health conditions in the form of asbestosis and mesothelioma. If you have damaged flooring in a pre-1980′s home you may be well advised to have it inspected for asbestos and have a licensed professional remove it from your home before it can cause health problems for you and your family.
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What’s Involved In The Asbestos Floor Tile Removal Process
What’s Involved In The Asbestos Floor Tile Removal Process
The asbestos floor tile removal process is a delicate procedure that has to be properly done to prevent breathing the asbestos or it actually getting on everything else while removing it. Here is some ways to do this correctly and some advice.
Asbestos was used in plumbing and construction from the 1950’s to the middle of the ‘80’s. The material causes lung cancer, asthma, and Mesothelioma. This deadly cancer attacks a person’s chest. Even though it is banned, it can be found in commercial buildings and homes. Mainly tiles are the main problem, like laminate flooring tiles that have adhesive backing. Asbestos can still be found in cooling and heating systems, walls, roof tiles, and even pipes.
Before beginning an asbestos floor tile removal job, check with the city health department where to dispose of the material. There are certain places that are authorized to accept it for disposal, especially if you are removing it yourself. If a person has hired a professional, thoroughly check the company or individual out to make sure they follow all government guidelines for removal.
Asbestos floor tile removal as a do it yourself project, should barely disturb the tiles. This means absolutely do not use a grinder, sander, floor stripper, or anything else involving a machine. There can be asbestos dust created which is very harmful. This means no windows should be open or doors. The asbestos fibers have to be contained to the area that is being worked on.
Keep the space that is being worked on enclosed. To contain the asbestos fibers for floor tile removal, hang heavy sheeting up on doors and windows. Use masking tape to seal around it. If there is a doorway with no door, use the sheeting to block the opening tightly.
Rent a respirator for fresh air and protection from the asbestos dust. Wear safety goggles and old work clothes that can be thrown away or a Hazmat suit. The head also needs to be covered.
With asbestos floor tile removal, use dish washing soap and water as the solution. Take a bucket that is around five gallons of water to one cup soap. Take a cloth that is disposable and using the water, moisten the floor tiles. If the tile is laminate, this helps make the glue come loose to remove the tile. Then, take a hammer and putty knife to pry up the tiles.
To remove the glue, use a scouring pad or go to the hardware store and find a solvent that will remove the glue. Once this is done, then wash the floor thoroughly and rinse thoroughly. This might have to be done several times until everything is safely clean.
When everything is done, take a bag and throw everything away, and tightly seal it before removing the bag. Once the asbestos floor tile removal job is complete, take a nice hot shower to remove all traces of asbestos dust from the body.
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Posted by asbestos - March 24, 2011 at 5:26 pm
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