What Are the Dangers of Removing Asbestos From Vinyl Tile?
The asbestos hazard from vinyl flooring material depends partly on whether the vinyl material is "friable." Friable means the vinyl is so degraded it can be pulverized using just hand pressure. Friable flooring containing just 1 percent of asbestos is hazardous. Does this Spark an idea?
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Condition
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Vinyl flooring that breaks or crumbles easily is considered friable and comes under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). The Environmental Protection Agency rules may mandate that only an accredited asbestos-removal contractor can remove and dispose of the tile. If linoleum came with asbestos-containing backing, it automatically comes under AHERA due to the danger of releasing asbestos fibers.
Adhesives
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Adhesives used during vinyl flooring installation may contain asbestos and creates a hazard when the vinyl tiles are removed. Using any kind of abrading or sanding action to remove adhesive could release asbestos into the air, creating a health hazard.
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Considerations
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Removing vinyl flooring safely requires extensive preparation of the work area with plastic sheeting and duct tape and precautions to avoid tracking dust outside the room on tools, clothing or cleaning materials. Asbestos-containing dust clinging to shoes or clothing is hazardous. Individuals develop cancers such as mesothelioma from asbestos brought home on the shoes and clothing of family members working around asbestos.
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References
- Minnesota Department of Health: Vinyl Tile Removal
- Environmental Protection Agency Region IX: Asbestos Materials
- Environmental Protection Agency Region IX: When Asbestos Material Falls Under AHERA
- State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality: Asbestos
- State of New Jersey: Department of Health and Senior Services FAQ about Asbestos
Resources
- Photo Credit floor care machine image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
