Asbestos Testing For Flooring
- American Biltrite
- Amtico Floors
- Armstrong World Industries
- Cogoleum Corporation
- GAF Corporation
- Synkoloid Company
Suspect Flooring Products May Include:
- Linoleum
- Sheet Vinyl
- Vinyl Backing
- 9 x 9 VCT Tile
- 12 x 12 VCT Tile
- Engineered Flooring
- Flooring Glue
- Floor Leveler
- Tile with Grout
- Carpet with Glue
- Ceramic Flooring
- Concrete
- Terrazzo
Non-Suspect Flooring Materials:
- Rubber
- Cork
- Natural Stone
Aggressive Removal Methods May Cause Fiber Release
Aggressive removal methods should be minimized. When aggressive removal methods are used, asbestos may be disturbed, also known as a fiber release.
Asbestos fibers in the air can move into other living areas of the project unknowingly. When removing flooring materials, avoid aggressive methods such as:
- Grinding
- Sanding
- Cutting
Asbestos Testing for Health Concerns?
Why Would Flooring Materials Contain Asbestos?
In the past, asbestos was used to strengthen floor tiles and vinyl, and to provide fire- and heat-resistance. When vinyl sheet flooring or floor tiles are properly installed and in good repair, the vinyl binds the asbestos, preventing its release – even flooring that contains asbestos fibers is considered safe when it’s intact. However, ripping up the old flooring can lead to dangerous asbestos exposure, as well as stiff fines.
A Closer Look at Asbestos Release Risks
Cutting, sanding or disturbing damaged, decaying flooring can result in the release of asbestos. If inhaled or swallowed, over time the fibers can cause serious illnesses such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
The most dangerous of these flooring products is asbestos-backed vinyl sheet flooring. This flooring was made in large pieces and typically cut to the size of the room to be laid as one piece. The asbestos backing on this type of flooring is friable, or easily broke up. The fibers may be released into the air if the material is disturbed or damaged.