How Can I Tell If My Basement Tiles Are Asbestos?
Asbestos tiles can create a health risk for you and your family. Asbestos was heavily used because it is naturally fire-resistant. You should check the tiles in your house if it was built before 1980. Asbestos use was regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after that time. Be extremely cautious when dealing with suspected asbestos-containing materials, as inhalation can cause serious respiratory disease. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Internet
- Sampling container
- Knife
- Plastic sheets or paper
- Rubber gloves
- Mask
- Spray bottle
- Detergent solution
- Duct tape
- Paper towels
Instructions
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Check against the EPA's list of suspected asbestos containing materials (see Resources). If you believe the tiles are on the list, call for professional removal.
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Obtain an appropriate sampling container (see Resources) and put on disposable rubber gloves and a face mask.
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3
Prepare the basement before collecting a sample. Close of all doors and ventilation that leads to the basement. Place plastic or paper sheets on the floor under the sample area.
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Make a detergent solution by adding a few drops of liquid detergent to a small spray bottle of water. Spray the sample area with the solution.
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Cut a sample piece from the tile. Be sure to collect a sample that includes the entire thickness of the tile. Place the sample in the container and seal tightly, covering with duct tape.
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Clean the sampling area with a wet paper towel and dispose of the knife and sheets. Do not shake out the sheets before discarding.
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Send the sample to an asbestos testing lab.
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Tips & Warnings
To avoid spreading asbestos, disturb the area as little as possible.
Do not try to test the material yourself. Always send the sample to a lab.
