Asbestos Tiles Identification, Risks and Safe Removal

Most people don’t realize their floor or ceiling tiles might contain asbestos. Learning how to spot and safely handle asbestos tiles can help keep families and workers safe. It’s important to understand where these tiles were used and what to do if you find them.

Why Asbestos Was Used in Tiles

Asbestos was chosen for tiles for several reasons: It is very strong, can resist or conceal heat, is easy to find and produce, and can be mixed into other materials without breaking apart.

Let’s go through all of these benefits, starting with resisting fire. Tiles made with asbestos helped protect buildings from fires. They could also handle hot pots or tools without getting damaged. This could be crucial in factories or any buildings that had hot equipment and machinery.

Asbestos is also resistant to chemicals, water and electricity. This means the tiles would not get ruined easily in kitchens, bathrooms or factories.

Some people liked asbestos tiles because they were cheaper than other materials and easy to find. There were several asbestos mines in the United States. One of the most famous was the mining operations in Libby, Montana, which operated until 1990. Factories could mine for asbestos easily and make a lot of these tiles quickly, selling them at a low price.

Asbestos is also quite durable. Asbestos products like tiles are more likely to persist for years – possibly outlasting severe weather elements – than tiles with alternative, less-durable ingredients. This was attractive before the 1980s for homeowners or other building owners, who would not need to repair or replace their floor or ceiling tiles as quickly.

Types of Tiles With Asbestos

Tiles with asbestos were once popular because they could be strong, cheap and fire-resistant. These tiles can look similar to safe tiles, so it is not always easy to spot them.

Vinyl Asbestos Floor Tiles

Vinyl asbestos floor tiles were produced and installed in schools, homes, hospitals and offices from the 1920s through the 1980s. They were usually sold in square shapes, commonly 9-inch by 9-inch or 12-inch by 12-inch sizes. Asbestos was added to make the tiles tough, flexible and fireproof.

Older vinyl tiles can be identified by their thickness and their backing, which may look like felt and contain asbestos fibers. Many products also used asbestos-filled adhesive, which adds to the risk. Popular brands included Armstrong and Kentile.

Most vinyl asbestos tiles are found in basements, kitchens, and commercial building hallways. If these tiles break, chip, or are sanded, they can release tiny asbestos fibers that are dangerous if breathed in or swallowed. Testing must confirm if a tile has asbestos.

Asphalt and Rubber Tiles

Asphalt and rubber tiles were used in both residential and commercial spaces from the 1920s-1960s. Asphalt tiles were one of the earliest mass-produced floor tiles. They used a mix of asphalt and asbestos for increased strength and resistance to chemicals, water and general wear.

Typical sizes include 9 inches by 9 inches or smaller. These tiles are usually dark in color: black, brown, or gray. Rubber tiles, although less common than asphalt, sometimes used asbestos.

These tiles can become brittle and crack with age, which makes the asbestos inside easier to release. Many old buildings, especially schools and offices that have not been renovated, still have these tiles in place today.

Ceiling Tiles and Acoustic Panels

Ceiling tiles and acoustic panels often included asbestos, especially in buildings constructed between the 1940s and 1980s. These products were designed to reduce sound and increase fire safety. Common places for these tiles are school gyms, office ceilings and performance auditoriums.

Ceiling tiles with asbestos are usually light in color and square or rectangular. Some have small holes or a pebbled surface for better sound absorption. Manufacturers such as Celotex often produced asbestos-containing ceiling tiles.

As these tiles age, water damage or disturbances from repairs can cause them to crumble or break. This can release asbestos dust into the air, making them a concern during renovations or demolitions. Testing is the best way to know if ceiling tiles contain asbestos.

How Asbestos Exposure Happens With Tiles

Asbestos can enter the air and be breathed in, especially when tiles are broken or damaged. This can occur in a number of ways, from renovations to weather events.

During Renovation or Demolition

When someone remodels, renovates, or demolishes an old building, asbestos tiles may get cracked, cut or torn out. This breaks the tiles and releases asbestos fibers into the air. Construction and repair workers, or people nearby – or even the workers and residents who spend hours a day in the building – may breathe in these fibers without knowing it.

Cutting, sawing, or drilling into asbestos tiles is risky. Power tools or heavy machinery break tiles into small pieces. This bothers the asbestos mixture, causing the flaky collection of fibers to rupture. Some of the sharp fibers break free and float in the air. They are hard to see – being so small – and people rarely ever notice the substance in the breathing air.

Without proper safety gear and dust control, asbestos dust can spread through the building. Even cleaning up by sweeping or dry-dusting can send fibers back into the air.

Demolition of a building usually breaks all asbestos and releases a pack of dust into the air. Not having a plan to safeguard demolition cleanup workers against the countless microscopic shards is dangerous to this occupation.

Deterioration Over Time

Asbestos tiles may break down from age or wear. If tiles chip, crack, or crumble, the asbestos fibers inside can loosen and break apart. Normal activities like walking, moving furniture, or dropping items can damage old tiles and release fibers.

Again, simply walking can disturb the asbestos in floor tiles. This means just living in the house can cause deterioration.

Weather Elements

Severe weather can damage floor tiles, rip apart roof shingles, and disturb asbestos enough to send more fibers into the air than pretty much any other event. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods can do the most damage.

High winds from tornadoes and hurricanes can be especially damaging to roof tiles. People often find holes in their roof due to tiles being ripped apart and pulled off the building.

Water damage from flooding will mostly impact floor tiles. These tiles are destroyed, and if fibers aren’t released from the water, the inevitable replacement of the tiles creates a dangerous setting.

Changes in temperature or moisture can speed up tile deterioration. For example, water leaks or humidity may make tiles softer and easier to break.

Disturbing Adhesive Layers

Some asbestos tiles were installed with glue – called mastic – that contains asbestos. Removing or scraping up these tiles can disturb the adhesive, not just the tile itself. When this glue is sanded, ground, or stripped, it sends asbestos fibers into the air.

Even if the tiles look solid, the adhesive on the underside may pose a risk. Workers who pry up or work beneath tiles might disturb the mastic. Homeowners removing tiles themselves can unknowingly release asbestos from both the tile and the adhesive.

Key points to watch for:

• Old adhesives under tiles often contain asbestos.
• Removing, sanding, or grinding adhesives increases the exposure risk.
• Proper safety steps are needed any time adhesives are disturbed.

Who Is at Risk of Exposure From Asbestos Tiles?

People can be exposed to asbestos tiles during activities that disturb the tiles, such as renovation or removal. Breathing in asbestos fibers can lead to health risks if safety steps are not followed.

People who spend time in a building after an event are also at risk. Asbestos can hover in the air for hours. This most notably includes who lives or works in a building that contains asbestos and underwent renovation, basic repairs, or damage from a weather event. These are office workers, residents of a home, first responders, and hospital workers or teachers.

Contractors, Renovators and Demolition Crews

Workers in construction, renovation or demolition are at high risk when dealing with buildings that have asbestos tiles. Breaking, cutting, or removing these tiles releases tiny asbestos fibers into the air.

Common risk activities include:

• Removing old floor tiles
• Drilling or sanding tile surfaces
• Demolishing walls or floors

These fibers can stay in the air for hours. Without protective gear and proper ventilation, workers may inhale or carry fibers home on clothing.

Demolition crews are especially at risk when they work on older buildings where asbestos is not clearly marked. Special training and equipment are needed to safely handle materials that may contain asbestos.

Maintenance Workers and Custodial Staff

Custodial staff and building maintenance workers may face danger if they clean areas with aging or damaged asbestos tiles. Sweeping, mopping, or buffing these floors can stir up dust that contains asbestos fibers.

They also come into contact with asbestos after renovation or repair that disturbed asbestos and left fibers in the air for hours. Damaged tiles are more likely to release fibers. If routine maintenance involves repairs or drilling, staff could unknowingly disturb asbestos.

Key safety tips:

• Check for damaged tiles before working.
• Use wet cleaning methods to lower dust.
• Wear masks and other protective equipment.

Facilities should train maintenance staff on how to spot asbestos risks and use the correct cleaning methods.

Homeowners, Home Residents, and DIYers

Homeowners, renters, other residents (including children or elderly parents) and people doing their own repairs can also be exposed to asbestos.

People are at risk if they disturb asbestos tiles while redesigning or upgrading their homes. These actions are usually done by homeowners or other adult residents. Many older houses contain asbestos tiles under carpet, vinyl, or newer flooring.

DIY projects that involve sanding, removing, or breaking tiles can release dangerous fibers. Unlike professionals, residents of a home may not know how to test for asbestos or use safety gear. Vacuuming or sweeping after tile work can also cause fibers to spread in the air.

Children, elderly parents and other people living in the home can be exposed hours after repairs or do-it-yourself projects. Fibers float in the air, making breathing a risk.

Precautions for homeowners:

• Don’t sand or drill unknown old tiles.
• Hire a professional for testing and removal.
• Avoid breaking or scraping tiles.

Not all old tiles contain asbestos, but testing is the only way to be sure. Special handling and disposal are needed if asbestos is found.

Emergency Responders, Hospital Workers, and Teachers

Emergency responders such as firefighters are at risk for the nature of their work: responding to buildings under duress.

Buildings on fire or taking on other damage likely will contain loose, floating asbestos fibers from the fire or other disturbance. Emergency responders running into these buildings – or even staying outside yet near them – can breathe in toxic air.

Hospital workers and teachers spend more than a half dozen hours a day in old buildings. These structures may contain asbestos in floor and ceiling tiles. Hospitals often do not undergo renovations due to the massive cost and budget limitations.

Asbestos in schools is a persistent problem. Schools are a haven for old asbestos. Schools across the United States are closing due to asbestos in floors and ceilings.

Schools in Philadelphia are being closed due to asbestos in tiles, and one teacher in Philadelphia developed an asbestos exposure disease after a lengthy career working in an asbestos-filled school. The asbestos is so old that inspections are easily finding visible asbestos.

Health Risks Linked to Asbestos Tile Exposure

Breathing in asbestos fibers may cause serious health problems after years of exposure. These health issues are mesothelioma, lung cancer, other types of cancer, and deadly noncancerous conditions.

Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that forms in the lining of the lungs or abdomen. It is only caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Even a small amount of exposure can cause mesothelioma. The survival rate is low, as mesothelioma spreads to other organs (such as the lungs) quickly.

Lung cancer is linked to asbestos exposure. This is not the only cause of lung cancer, but asbestos causes tens of thousands of cases each year. The risk gets higher if someone smokes cigarettes and is exposed to asbestos.

Signs of these diseases include:

Both mesothelioma and lung cancer can take 20-50 years after exposure to develop. They are often diagnosed at a late stage.

Asbestosis and Other Respiratory Conditions

Asbestosis is a disease defined by lung tissue scars. These are caused by asbestos exposure. This scarring makes it hard to breathe. People may notice symptoms like:

• Dry cough
• Trouble breathing with activity
• Tightness in the chest

Asbestosis, although not a type of cancer, is a long-term illness. There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed.

Other conditions from asbestos include pleural plaques and pleural thickening. These are defined by tissue plaques and inflammation of tissue caused by sharp asbestos fibers. Both can cause chest discomfort and trouble breathing.

How to Identify and Handle Asbestos Tiles

Older homes and buildings may have floor or ceiling tiles containing asbestos. Identifying these tiles and knowing the safest way to manage them can help protect people from exposure.

Signs a Tile May Contain Asbestos

Asbestos tiles were popular from the 1920s-1980s. They are often 9 inches by 9 inches, but some are 12 inches by 12 inches or 18 inches by 18 inches. The most common colors are gray, brown or off-white. Many tiles have little flecks or fibers inside. These flecks can be white, gray or blue-gray.

Manufacturers sometimes stamped “asbestos” on the backs of tiles, but not always. If tiles are crumbling, worn, or breaking, there is a higher risk of fibers being released. Some glue or adhesive under old tiles, called “mastic,” can also contain asbestos.

Popcorn ceiling was a popular style for tiles. If your old home has popcorn ceiling tiles, it likely contains asbestos.

The best clue is the year the flooring was installed. If the tiles were placed before 1985, there is a chance they contain asbestos. When in doubt, treat any suspicious tile as if it does contain asbestos.

Testing and Removal Requires Professionals

It is important not to disturb old tiles that may have asbestos. Cutting, sanding, or breaking the tiles creates dust, which puts asbestos fibers in the air. These fibers are dangerous if breathed in.

Only trained professionals should test tile samples for asbestos. They use special gear to stay safe and follow set rules for collecting samples. Home test kits are not safe or accurate for asbestos tile.

If testing shows asbestos is present, a licensed asbestos abatement company must handle removal. The professionals use special suits, gloves and air filters. They seal off the area so fibers do not travel through the building.

Legal Options for Exposure Victims

People who have been exposed to asbestos tiles might have legal rights if they become sick. They can seek financial help and may be able to file claims or lawsuits to cover medical costs and other losses.

You May Be Eligible for Compensation

Anyone who develops health problems from asbestos exposure, like mesothelioma or lung cancer, may qualify for compensation. This comes in the form of a money payout from a settlement, verdict or trust fund. Eligible people include those who worked directly with asbestos tiles or lived in buildings where the tiles were present.

Victims may receive compensation for:

Victims must typically prove their illness is tied to asbestos exposure. That often means showing medical records and job or housing history. Relatives of people who died from asbestos diseases can sometimes file for compensation, either as the victim’s power of attorney or the surviving loved one after a death.

Filing Lawsuits or Trust Fund Claims

There are two main legal paths for asbestos victims: lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims.

Lawsuits for mesothelioma or other asbestos diseases can be filed against manufacturers, building owners, or employers who failed to warn about the dangers. These lawsuits can be on the basis of either personal injury or wrongful death.

Victims may need a lawyer to help them gather evidence, file paperwork, and handle court steps. These cases can result in settlements or jury decisions. Both can give victims or their surviving loved ones millions in compensation to cover medical treatment and debt.

Trust fund claims are made when a company filed for bankruptcy. Asbestos trust funds are the result of asbestos companies filing for bankruptcy and being ordered by courts to set up a fund for victims. Many asbestos trust fund claims are resolved faster than court cases.

Deadlines, called statutes of limitations, limit how long a victim has to file. These vary by state, so taking action early is important.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Overlook the Dangers Beneath Your Feet

Asbestos tiles are still present in many homes, schools and businesses. Buildings built before the 1980s are likely to have them in floors or ceilings. Even if the tiles look safe, their risks may not be obvious.

Breathing in asbestos fibers can harm the body, causing cells to alter. This can lead to cancer.The danger rises when tiles are damaged, cracked, or disturbed during repairs. It’s important not to sand, scrape, or break asbestos tiles. People at risk include homeowners, company owners, building managers, other residents, office workers, emergency responders, hospital staff, and teachers.

Some signs that tiles might contain asbestos include:

• Installed before 1980
• 9-inch by 9-inch or 12-inch by 12-inch size
• Brittle or discolored with age

If you suspect your floor tiles contain asbestos:

Ignoring asbestos risks can lead to health problems. Staying informed can help keep people and families protected.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos Tiles

Asbestos tiles can pose health concerns if disturbed. Safe handling, identification and disposal methods are important to know.