Cleaning Asbestos Tile: DO NOT Do This! (5 Dangers!)
Asbestos, as you may know, is a serious health hazard.
More and more homeowners, contractors, and even DIY enthusiasts are waking up to this reality.
Today, I want to address a dangerous misconception: that it’s safe to clean and maintain asbestos floor tiles yourself.
Trust me, it’s not.
This article is your guide to understanding the risks.
I’m going to break down five specific dangers lurking behind what seems like a simple cleaning task.
My goal is to arm you with the knowledge to protect yourself and your family.
So, let’s dive in!
Section 1: Understanding Asbestos and Its Uses
Let’s get down to brass tacks: What is asbestos, and why was it so popular?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral prized for its incredible properties.
It’s heat-resistant, strong, and flexible.
These qualities made it a star player in construction for decades.
Think mid-20th century – that’s when asbestos was at its peak.
It was used in everything from insulation to roofing to, you guessed it, floor tiles.
It made floors durable, fire-resistant, and relatively inexpensive.
But here’s the dark side: asbestos is a known carcinogen.
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can lodge in your lungs and cause devastating diseases.
I’m talking about mesothelioma (a rare and aggressive cancer), lung cancer, and asbestosis (a chronic lung disease).
The numbers are sobering.
According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 20 million people in the United States have been exposed to asbestos.
While regulations have drastically reduced its use, the legacy of asbestos remains in many older homes.
Now, think about those asbestos tiles in your home.
Over time, they can become brittle and start to break down.
This deterioration increases the risk of releasing those dangerous fibers, especially when you start cleaning them.
Section 2: The Dangers of Cleaning Asbestos Tiles
Okay, let’s get into the heart of the matter.
Why is cleaning asbestos tiles such a bad idea?
Here are five critical dangers you need to know:
Danger 1: Disturbing the Fibers
This is the big one.
Asbestos is only dangerous when its fibers become airborne and you inhale them.
Guess what?
Cleaning, especially wet mopping or scrubbing, can easily disturb those fibers.
Imagine scrubbing an old asbestos tile.
The friction can loosen tiny asbestos fibers, releasing them into the air.
You might not see them, but they’re there, floating around and waiting to be inhaled.
A study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine found that even light abrasion of asbestos-containing materials can release a significant number of fibers into the air.
This isn’t just theoretical; it’s a real risk backed by scientific evidence.
So, that seemingly harmless cleaning routine?
It could be turning your home into a source of asbestos exposure.
Danger 2: Improper Disposal
So, you’ve cleaned the tiles, and now you have dirty water, cloths, or even broken tile pieces.
What do you do with them?
This is where things can get really dangerous.
Asbestos-containing materials are regulated as hazardous waste.
You can’t just toss them in your regular trash.
Improper disposal is not only illegal but also incredibly risky.
Think about it: if you throw asbestos-contaminated materials in your household trash, they could end up in a landfill where they can potentially contaminate the soil and water.
Plus, sanitation workers could be exposed to the fibers.
Even worse, if you try to burn the waste, you’ll release asbestos fibers into the air, exposing your neighbors and yourself.
Proper disposal requires specific procedures, including sealing the materials in labeled containers and taking them to a designated asbestos disposal site.
Don’t underestimate this step; it’s crucial for protecting yourself and the community.
Danger 3: Unawareness of Hidden Asbestos
Here’s a tricky one: sometimes, asbestos isn’t just in the surface tiles.
It could be lurking in multiple layers of flooring or even in the underlayment beneath the tiles.
You might think you’re just dealing with a simple cleaning job, but you could be unknowingly disturbing hidden asbestos.
This is especially true if you’re planning to remove the tiles altogether.
For example, I once worked on a house where the homeowner thought they were only removing vinyl tiles.
Turns out, underneath was a layer of asbestos-containing felt paper.
When they started pulling up the vinyl, they unknowingly released asbestos fibers.
Unless you’re a trained professional, it’s difficult to know for sure if asbestos is present in hidden layers.
That’s why testing is so important before you start any cleaning or removal project.
Danger 4: Lack of Proper Protective Equipment
Let’s say you know you’re dealing with asbestos, and you decide to clean it anyway.
Do you have the right protective equipment?
Cleaning asbestos requires specialized gear, including:
- Respirator: A properly fitted respirator is essential to filter out asbestos fibers from the air you breathe.
A simple dust mask won’t cut it.
You need a respirator with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. - Protective Clothing: Disposable coveralls, gloves, and shoe covers are necessary to prevent asbestos fibers from contaminating your clothing and skin.
- Eye Protection: Goggles or a face shield will protect your eyes from exposure.
Without this equipment, you’re putting yourself at serious risk.
Inhaling asbestos fibers, even in small amounts, can lead to long-term health problems.
Danger 5: Legal Repercussions and Liability
Finally, let’s talk about the legal side of things.
Many states and localities have strict regulations regarding asbestos handling and removal.
If you attempt to clean or remove asbestos tiles without the proper licensing or permits, you could face significant legal repercussions.
This could include fines, lawsuits, and even criminal charges.
Moreover, if you improperly handle asbestos and expose others, you could be held liable for their medical expenses and other damages.
This could be incredibly costly.
For example, I know a contractor who tried to cut corners by removing asbestos tiles without proper permits.
He ended up getting slapped with a hefty fine and had to pay for the medical testing of several neighbors who were potentially exposed.
Don’t take the risk.
Familiarize yourself with local regulations and hire a certified asbestos abatement professional to handle the job safely and legally.
Section 3: Recognizing the Signs of Asbestos Tile
Okay, so how do you know if you even have asbestos tiles in your home?
Here are a few clues to look for:
- Age: If your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a higher chance that it contains asbestos materials.
- Size: Asbestos floor tiles often came in 9×9 inch or 12×12 inch squares.
- Appearance: They may have a slightly mottled or speckled appearance.
Older tiles can also become brittle, cracked, or damaged. - Backing: If you can see the backing of the tile, look for a dark, paper-like material.
This could be asbestos-containing felt paper.
However, visual inspection is not foolproof.
The only way to know for sure if a tile contains asbestos is to have it tested by a certified laboratory.
You can purchase an asbestos testing kit online or hire a professional to take a sample.
The cost is usually around \$50-\$100, which is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
If you suspect that you have asbestos tiles, don’t try to remove them yourself.
Contact a qualified asbestos inspector to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.
Section 4: Alternatives to Cleaning Asbestos Tiles
So, if you can’t clean them, what can you do with asbestos tiles?
Fortunately, there are safer alternatives:
- Encapsulation: This involves sealing the tiles with a special coating that prevents asbestos fibers from being released.
Encapsulation is a good option if the tiles are in good condition and not damaged. - Covering: You can install new flooring over the existing asbestos tiles.
This is a less disruptive option than removal, but it’s important to ensure that the new flooring is properly sealed to prevent any fibers from escaping. - Professional Removal: This is the most thorough option, but it’s also the most expensive.
However, it’s the safest way to eliminate the risk of asbestos exposure.
If you choose to hire an asbestos abatement professional, make sure they are certified and licensed in your state.
Ask for references and check their credentials carefully.
The abatement process typically involves:
- Sealing off the work area: This prevents asbestos fibers from spreading to other parts of the house.
- Using specialized equipment: This includes HEPA vacuums and air filtration systems.
- Properly disposing of the asbestos waste: This ensures that the materials are handled safely and legally.
The cost of asbestos abatement can vary depending on the size of the project and the complexity of the removal.
However, it’s an investment in your health and safety.
Conclusion
Let’s recap: Cleaning asbestos tiles is a dangerous game.
Disturbing the fibers, improper disposal, unawareness of hidden asbestos, lack of proper protective equipment, and legal repercussions are all serious risks.
Your health and the health of your family are paramount.
Don’t take shortcuts when it comes to asbestos.
Avoid DIY cleaning methods and seek professional help when dealing with asbestos-containing materials.
I know that renovating an older home can be exciting, but it’s essential to prioritize safety over aesthetics.
Remember, a beautiful home isn’t worth risking your health.
So, take a deep breath, do your research, and call in the pros when needed.
You’ll be glad you did.
Stay safe out there!
