How do you report Asbestos Floor Tile ?

[kluce]

I did an inspection on a house with a basement that flooded due to the power being off to the house. When I told him about the 9 by 9 tiles installed throughout the basement, he told me it didn't matter. Since the basement already had an inch or so of water, he was going to flood the basement once more and lift up the tile.

I just smiled.

[Nick Gromicko]

I don't believe most asbestos tile is a hazard, but I'd report that you found it anyway.

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Originally Posted by ldapkus

OK Bob. If you're gonna remove it, use a high speed grinder and be sure you wear eye protection!!

Linas, are you crazy? Grinders are noisy! Bob's gotta wear ear protection. He can keep his eyes closed. Ever try to close your ears using just the muscles in your ears? Of course he could put his fingers in his ears, but then he'd have to hire someone to run the grinder and the whole debate would start all over.

[David P. Valley]

Whenever I run into 9 X 9 linoleum tiles (most are in basements), I always note that 9 x 9 tiles could contain asbestos and "DO NOT REMOVE". I also add...simply cover over them with your choice of flooring material.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by kshepard

Linas, are you crazy? Grinders are noisy! Bob's gotta wear ear protection. He can keep his eyes closed. Ever try to close your ears using just the muscles in your ears? Of course he could put his fingers in his ears, but then he'd have to hire someone to run the grinder and the whole debate would start all over.

Don't forget gloves and steel toed shoes. Stay safe!

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by belliott

Seriously is there a concern that it is broken underneath and vacuuming will stir it up?

I don't think that would be a hazard. Mechanical abrasion is what makes it friable. Even if it's uncovered, I don't think vacuuming would release the fibers from the tile. That's my unscientific opinion. (I also used to do asbestos abatement.)

P.S. does anyone other than me put a disclaimer about other products in older homes that may contain asbestos, such as stippled ceilings?

[Bob Elliott]

Just in case someone still does not know, here is from 2 nights ago.



I was asked what made me look under the carpet.
My answer was experience from being in so many older buildings.

I just had a feeling.

Take needle nose pliers with you and check as you may find it in anything around before the 1980 s.

If you miss it ,it makes you look bad.

Bottom is the garbage chute room ,so check those common areas if you are any good.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Nice going Bob, and sometimes a hunch proves to discover things, don't they?

[Dan Bowers, CMI]

Everyplace I know of requires you to be licensed to take samples OR tet this. Therefore I state something like this:

There was a possible ACM (asbestos containing material) at the floor tiles. To verify this, you would need to have further evaluation and testing done by a licensed and competent asbestos specialist. Asbestos can be hazardous to your health under certain conditions.

There was possible ACM (asbestos containing material) present. A visual home inspection can not determine the absence or presence of asbestos. Asbestos content can only be determined by laboratory analysis.

It is sometimes found on older plumbing pipes, heating ducts, boilers, floor tiles or other building materials. To verify this, consult with a qualified asbestos specialist. If ACM is present it is often removed or encapsulated.

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Possible asbestos (vinyl flooring)
Vinyl flooring in the home appeared to have been manufactured during a time period during which it was common for this type of flooring to contain asbestos.
In its friable form (in which fibers may be released into the air and inhaled) asbestos is a known carcinogen and a cause of asbestosis. This flooring should not be removed without proper precautions.
Confirming the presence of asbestos requires testing by a qualified laboratory.
The Inspector recommends contacting your local health department for help in deciding on the best course of action.

[Bill Smith]

My report comment-

The floor tiles in the xxxx are similar in appearance to those containing asbestos. Laboratory analysis is required to confirm the presence of asbestos, however, asbestos-containing materials of this type were in common use around the time that this house was built. When asbestos containing tiles are in good, undamaged condition, and when it is found in an area not subject to mechanical damage, current advice is to leave this material alone (EPA). Asbestos tiles in poor condition (flaking, or mechanically damaged) should be removed and properly disposed of by an asbestos abatement professional. Removal should never be attempted by the homeowner.