Hi,
My husband and I removed floor tile that we believe to be asbestos. Some of the tiles snapped in two. Are we at risk for exposure? Do broken tiles emit fibers into the air? If so, how do we clean the environment? Thanks! I'm terrified.
Kim
Asbestos was found in some vinyl flooring and asphalt matrix tile. The tile incorporated the fiber as a reinforcement. The fibers are coated with the matrix and therefore are not easily released, and even when broken, tend to fall out of the breathing zone quickly. When removing suspected asbestos containing tile, minimize breakage, avoid making dust and use wet clean-up when possible.
From your description I doubt you have much to worry about. Hope the new floor came out great.
From your description I doubt you have much to worry about. Hope the new floor came out great.
tomh,
Slight variation. I tore up a 4x8 sheet of ancient vinyl sheet. In doing so, the paper backing peeled and split like cheap cardboard. I had no idea this innocent looking paper could have asbestos in it. I had a P100 mask on and the area more-or-less sealed off anyway (because of the suspicious tiles in another part of the room). Am I toast? Is my house a hazmat site? How long does asbestos take to settle out of the air? What do I do (besides have a heart attack in about three more seconds)?
Thank you sir.
Slight variation. I tore up a 4x8 sheet of ancient vinyl sheet. In doing so, the paper backing peeled and split like cheap cardboard. I had no idea this innocent looking paper could have asbestos in it. I had a P100 mask on and the area more-or-less sealed off anyway (because of the suspicious tiles in another part of the room). Am I toast? Is my house a hazmat site? How long does asbestos take to settle out of the air? What do I do (besides have a heart attack in about three more seconds)?
Thank you sir.