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What are the dangers of asbestos in linoleum flooring?
Linoleum and vinyl flooring made with asbestos releases microscopic fibers into the air when it’s disturbed or damaged. Exposure primarily occurred during the installation of these materials. Today, it more commonly happens during renovations, because sanding, drilling, cutting and ripping up asbestos linoleum and vinyl can all release these fibers. When inhaled, the fibers become permanently embedded in the lungs and can cause dangerous diseases decades later, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.
How can I identify and remove asbestos in linoleum flooring?
It’s hard to tell from appearance alone whether your linoleum contains asbestos. If your flooring was installed before the mid-1980s, it’s safest to test it for asbestos before doing any renovations. If it does contain asbestos, you should call a professional asbestos removal contractor. They’ll have the equipment and expertise needed to remove it safely.
Which vinyl products may contain asbestos?
Vinyl building materials made before 1980 may contain asbestos. This includes vinyl floor tiles, sheet flooring and wallpaper. It’s an affordable, easily obtained material and is still popular in homes today. While American companies no longer make vinyl products with asbestos, it could still be imported from other countries.
Hi all, Here is a few pictures of linoleum floor I ripped up today that I'm not sure about. Did about 35-40sq before I thought anything about asbestos. Did work with a crowbar (luckily no power saws or anything of that nature used) Heard that throws up wayyy more dust. To be honest was a very dust free process. Although I do understand i cannot see the asbestos fibers. Looked like a 5/8" sheet of particle board first then original 12"×12" linoleum tile with backing paper. Then newer vinyl tile probably from the 80's also 12" by 12". I'm sending out all to a lab today. Place was built in 1966. I didn't see any black mastic or any sticky oily substances on anything which is what I was told to look out for. I could be wrong. Just disappointed and worried now that I didn't think to do this before. I know none of us know for sure this doesn't or does have asbestos but what are your best assumptions? I feel like a fucking idiot.