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 How to Reduce the Hazard of Floor Tiles That May Contain Asbestos
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InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.
Asbestos floor tile hazard reduction guide: this document assists building buyers, owners or occupants in reducing the risk of asbestos exposure from flooring that contains or is suspected to contain asbestos. We provide photographs and descriptive text of asbestos insulation and other asbestos-containing products
to permit identification of definite, probable, or possible asbestos materials in buildings.
Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.
Advice for Hazard Reduction for buildings with Vinyl Asbestos Floor Tiles
 Question on reducing asbestos floor tile health risks:
Asbestos is safe and legal to remain in homes or public buildings as long as the asbestos
materials are in good condition and the asbestos can not be released into the air.
I live in Spain, in a house built in 1967, and I'm quite worried because I suspect that the floors of my house may contain asbestos.
I have a baby is 9 month old crawling around the house.
In several rooms I have a flaming ground, looking quite similar to many of the photos seen on your site. In some areas has deteriorated and has holes that emit or accumulate dust.
I'm not sure my flooring matches those shown on your site. I am sending photos (see image at left). if you are able to recognize or catalog. I really did not even know if this flooring vinyl or other material.
The floor tiles are quite thick (about 3 cm), with a thin layer of material seen (a few
millimeters) and then a mortar or something similar. The asbestos-suspect floor tiles measure 25x25cm.
I hope you can advise me on the matter, think that contain asbestos? If so, what I can do at home?
-- I.B., Spain
Answer:
We have not seen this exact tile pattern before, but from our records it looks a bit like some of the Kentile flooring made in the U.S. (though yours is unlikely to be Kentile and your material is much thicker). Quite possibly your flooring was produced by a European manufacturer and is none of the brands for which we have data.
Our opinion includes the consideration that while foremost it is important to avoid creating an asbestos hazard by improper handling, and while it is usually reasonable to cover over asbestos floor tiles with a new layer of flooring, it is also important that you proceed properly, with local expert advice, so as to avoid creating inappropriate fear on the part of other users of the building.
Here are some general OPNIONS that can help reduce the risk of a floor-tile related asbestos particle risk in the building:
Also see Asbestos Flooring Hazard Level of Risk and see ASBESTOS FLOORING REMOVAL GUIDE. Readers who are considering removing asbestos containing materials should also see ASBESTOS REMOVAL, Wetting Guidelines.
See FLOOR TILE HISTORY & INGREDIENTS for a discussion of the ingredients and production of asbestos-containing flooring. And see ASBESTOS FLOOR TILE IDENTIFICATION for advice on visual identification of vinyl-asbestos floor tiles or flooring products that probably do or don't contain asbestos. For a strategy for collecting building dust samples, when, where, how many samples to collect, see DUST SAMPLING PROCEDURE.
For a detailed photo guide to individual vinyl-asbestos floor tile patterns, sizes, and years of manufacture, see FLOOR TILE ASBESTOS PHOTO ID GUIDE.
Friable Asbestos Particle Hazards from Asbestos-containing Floor Tiles or Sheet Flooring
The US EPA in their "Asbestos NESHAP Adequately Wet Guidance" defines "friable asbestos material" as
Friable asbestos material is any material containing more than 1 percent asbestos as determined using Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM), that, when dry, can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure.
Properly defined in plain english, "friable" asbestos means that one can easily produce powdered material, for example by rubbing asbestos pipe insulation between one's fingers to produce a crumbly dust. In this regard your floor tiles are a mix of asbestos and vinyl or asphalt, and are not readily friable.
The definition of friable asbestos is important, because non-friable asbestos-containing material is less likely to be an asbestos hazard in buildings, unless it is mechanically ground or pulverized.
What produces measurable airborne asbestos-dust is either running equipment that mechanically grinds or sands the tile surface (including some industrial floor polishers) over the floor surface, or using aggressive means of demolition that produce lots of small fragments of broken tiles during renovations.
Because asbestos is a harmless material if not airborne and breathed-in or ingested, it's not as if the floor tiles are "radioactive" or harmful just sitting there, or better still, if covered the tiles will be protected from wear, damage, and future asbestos particle release.
Advice About Covering Asbestos Floor Tiles
So the most economical renovation would be to leave the tiles in place, picking up any very loose scraps for enclosure in plastic bags for disposal (your municipality may permit disposal as construction debris, or you may have to hand it over to an approved waste hauler - double-bagged it should not be an issue), followed by installing a new layer of flooring over the existing material.
- The age of your floor means it is asbestos suspect
- Asbestos was very commonly used in vinyl and asphalt based floor tiles in the 1960's.
- Asbestos is an airborne particle hazard, not like something that "emits" a hazard such as radioactive materials. So if the material is sound, intact, undisturbed, the risk of particle release is very low.
- You can reduce the hazard from asbestos-containing floor tiles by several measures we list here and by other suggestions in government documents and references we cite in our online articles on this topic.
- Leave in place & seal: In residential applications if the flooring is in good condition you can gently clean, restore, and coat the flooring with an epoxy paint or with a clear restorative coating - see Leave in Place Strategy: how to clean, restore & seal vinyl-asbestos flooring for details.
- You can simply cover the suspect flooring with a new material:
-- wall to wall carpeting
-- vinyl or sheet resilient flooring
-- new layer of resilient tile flooring
-- a wooden subfloor and new resilient tile flooring.
- If your new floor is to be tile placed on top of old asbestos tile flooring, you might need to use a floor filler over openings left where broken tiles were removed, so that the floor surface below the new flooring is adequately smooth.
- If the floor structure is sufficiently rigid so as to avoid flexing and cracking, ceramic tile can also be installed over an appropriate subfloor layer
- If the floor surface is in good condition (no loose, broken tiles) and is in a residential area (not a school or public space) and not subject to heavy wear or use of mechanical grinders, buffers, etc., you might consider cleaning the floor surface (washing), painting it with an epoxy floor paint, and if/when the epoxy painted surface is scuffed, restore that surface with a floor cleaning and rejuvenation product that adds additional clear coat layers. See Questions & Answers on Use of floor rejuvenators and restorative sealants on vinyl-asbestos floor tiles for an example of this approach.
- Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner when cleaning up housedust as that type of filter will capture most ultra small particles including asbestos dust if such is even present
- Do not use floor sanders, power or machine driven floor polishers on asbestos-suspect flooring
- Do not permit demolition of the floor without taking appropriate asbestos-dust control measures
Government Advice on Managing in Place or Removal & Disposal of Asbestos Containing Flooring, Roofing or Siding Materials in buildings
For handling and disposal guidance concerning old roofing material, siding material, vinyl-asbestos floor tiles, asbestos pipe or boiler or furnace insulation, or other asbestos containing or suspect asbestos containing materials at a job-site, contact the US EPA, your state Department of Environmental Protection/Conservation, or your local building and health departments.
The US EPA points out in Adequately Wet Guidance, EPA340/1-90-019 that asbestos-containing floor tiles are considered non-friable materials but the materials can become friable with age or by grinding, sanding, demolition, etc. Also see ASBESTOS REMOVAL, Wetting Guidelines
Non-friable miscellaneous ACM includes floor tiles, asbestos cement sheet (transite board), siding shingles, asphalt roofing shingles, laboratory benchtops and even chalkboards. These materials may become friable with age, and under harsh conditions. Category I non-friable ACM must be carefully examined to determine if the material is in poor condition, that is, if the binding material is losing its integrity, exhibited by peeling, cracking or crumbling; and is also friable. When Category I non-friable ACM has become friable it is subject to the NESHAP.
If Category I or II ACM is sanded, ground, cut or abraded it is also covered by the NESHAP. Category II non-friable ACM which is damaged to the extent that it has or will become crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder due to demolition/ renovation activities, is subject to the Asbestos NESHAP.
Miscellaneous materials are wetted in manners similar to those used to wet other categories of RACM. Coverings are saturated with a wetting agent before removal and the asbestos-containing portions fully penetrated with the agent prior to, during and after their removal, while stored in the removal area, and while being placed into disposal containers. Miscellaneous materials that don't absorb water readily (e.g., asbestos-concrete products, and floor tiles) are only required to have wetted surfaces. A misting sprayer may be used to diminish airborne asbestos fiber levels.
Asbestos Advice for Building & School Building Operators (may apply to other public buildings such as churches)
A good introductory explanation to the possible risk of asbestos in schools and similar buildings is at The ABCs of Asbestos in Schools (August 2003), U.S. EPA, Web search 08/17/2010, original source: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/abcsfinal.pdf - aqui se encuenta la misma documenta escrito en Espan~ol: El ABC del Asbestos en las Escuelas, (copy on file as /sickhouse/EPA_Asbestos_ABCs_Schools.pdf ) fuente original: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/spanishabcs.pdf
Quoting from that document:
In general, as with cigarette smoking, the more asbestos fibers a person inhales, the greater the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. The most severe health problems from asbestos exposure have been experienced by some workers who held jobs in industries such as shipbuilding, where they were exposed to very high levels of asbestos in the air. These employees worked directly with asbestos materials on a regular basis as a part of their jobs. Much uncertainty surrounds the risk from exposure to low levels of asbestos fibers.
Nevertheless, the risk of school children being exposed to even low levels of asbestos is a concern. Acting on this concern, Congress passed the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) in 1986 to protect school children and school employees from exposure to asbestos in school buildings. This pamphlet describes key parts of these federal asbestos requirements for schools.
Operators of schools and other public buildings should see the U.S. EPA's Asbestos regulations for schools (the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, "AHERA") (PDF) (96 pp, 589k), web search 08/17/2010, original source: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/2003pt763.pdf, require that an accredited inspector reinspect school buildings at least once every three years to reassess the condition of ACM.
Also see
- How to Manage Asbestos in School buildings, AHERA Designated Person Self Study Guide, U.S. EPA 910-B-96-001, January 1996, web search 08/17/2010, original source: http://www.epa.gov/region2/ahera/e23.pdf
- Asbestos in buildings: Guidance for Service and Maintenance Personnel ("Custodial Brochure") (July 1985) - available by telephone from the TCSA
- Guidance for Controlling Asbestos Containing Material in buildings ("Purple Book") (June 1985) - available by telephone from the TCSA
- Fact Sheet/Press Release--EPA Releases Asbestos-in-Public-buildings Study and Recommendations to Congress: Extent and condition of asbestos containing materials in public and commercial buildings (February 1988) - available by telephone from the TCSA
Managing Asbestos in Place in buildings
For an example of how to leave asbestos-containing floor tiles in place safely in a residential building see Leave in Place Strategy: how to clean, restore & seal vinyl-asbestos flooring.
Quoting below from the following U.S. EPA references includes some advice on managing asbestos in place in buildings:
- EPA Guidance for Controlling Asbestos-Containing Materials in buildings, NIAST, National Institute on Abatement Sciences & Technology, [republishing EPA public documents] 1985 ed., Exposure Evaluation Division, Office of Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington,D.C. 20460
- Managing Asbestos in Place: A Building Owner's Guide to Operations and Maintenance Programs ("Green Book"), web search 08/11/2010, original source: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/management_in_place.html
How to Develop and Maintain a Building Asbestos Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Program, This information is designed to assist building owners and managers in understanding how to develop and maintain an operations and maintenance program for asbestos-containing materials in their buildings.
- Monitoring Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM), U.S. EPA, web search 08/11/2010, original source: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/section6.html, quoting:
Periodic Visual Reinspections and Air Monitoring for Asbestos Hazards
A visual reinspection of all ACM should be conducted at regular intervals as part of the O&M program to help ensure that any ACM damage or deterioration will be detected and corrective action taken.
- EPA's Asbestos regulations for schools (the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, "AHERA") (PDF) (96 pp, 589k), web search 08/17/2010, original source: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/2003pt763.pdf, require that an accredited inspector reinspect school buildings at least once every three years to reassess the condition of ACM.
- The AHERA regulations for schools also require a routine surveillance check of ACM every six months to monitor the ACM's condition. This surveillance can be conducted by a trained school custodian or maintenance worker.
- While only school buildings are required to have surveillance checks every six months, it is a good practice for other buildings with ACM. The asbestos program manager (APM) should establish appropriate surveillance and reinspection intervals, based on consultation with the building owner and any other qualified professionals involved in the O&M program.
- EPA recommends a visual and physical evaluation of ACM during the reinspections to note the ACM's current condition and physical characteristics. Through this reinspection, it is possible to determine both the relative degree of damage and assess the likelihood of future fiber release.
- Maintenance of a set of visual records (photos or video) of the ACM over time can be of great value during reinspections.
EPA recommends a visual and physical evaluation of ACM during the reinspections to note the ACM's current condition and physical characteristics.
Additional Asbestos Exposure Prevention Measures for Asbestos Hazards
- Supplemental Air Monitoring for Asbestos Hazards
As part of an O&M program, a carefully designed air monitoring program to detect airborne asbestos fibers in the building may provide useful supplemental information when conducted along with a comprehensive visual and physical ACM inspection and reinspection program. For employees who are, or may reasonably be expected to be exposed to airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers above the permissible limits set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), regulations require that the employer conduct both initial and periodic air sampling. For more information about the OSHA exposure monitoring requirements, see the OSHA regulations at 29 CFR § 1910.1001(d) found at http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9995
If the ACM is currently in good condition, increases in airborne asbestos fiber levels at some later time may provide an early warning of deterioration or disturbance of the material. In that way, supplemental air monitoring can be a useful management tool. If an owner chooses to use air monitoring in an "early warning" context, a knowledgeable and experienced individual should be consulted to design a proper sampling strategy. (See Useful Links for more information on air monitoring, found at http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/section10.html .)
This air monitoring should supplement, not replace, physical and visual inspection. Visual inspection can recognize situations and anticipate future exposure (e.g., worsening water damage), whereas air monitoring can only detect a problem after it has occurred, and fibers have been released.
- Sampling Methods
for Asbestos Hazards
Note that the collection of air samples for supplementary evaluation should not use aggressive air sampling methods. Aggressive sampling methods, in which air is deliberately disturbed or agitated by use of a leaf blower or fans, should only be used at the completion of an asbestos removal project inside the abatement containment area.
- Methods of Air Sampling Analysis for Asbestos Hazards
The most accurate and preferred method of analysis of air samples collected under an O&M program requires the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Phase contrast microscopy (PCM), which is commonly used for personal air sample analysis and as a screening tool for area air monitoring, cannot distinguish between asbestos fibers and other kinds of fibers which may be present in the air. PCM analysis also cannot detect thin asbestos fibers, and does not count short fibers. TEM analysis is more expensive than PCM analysis.
However, the more accurate information on actual levels of airborne asbestos fibers that can be derived from TEM should be more beneficial to the building owner who elects to use supplemental air monitoring in the asbestos management program. TEM analysis is most reliably performed by laboratories accredited by the National Institute of Standards and Technology - http://ts.nist.gov/Standards/scopes/temtm.htm- and who follow EPA’s quality assurance guidelines.
(See References, U.S. EPA, Dec. 1989, Transmission Electron Microscopy Asbestos Laboratories: Quality Assurance Guidelines. Washington, DC: EPA 560/5-90-002) found at http://ts.nist.gov/Standards/scopes/temtm.htm
- Selecting a Lab to Test Samples for Asbestos
Selection of a reliable and experienced air monitoring firm and analytical laboratory is important, if the building owner elects to conduct supplemental air monitoring under the O&M program. A consultant knowledgeable in air sampling and analysis protocols can be contacted for recommendations if the building owner or APM has limited knowledge in this area. Contact your state asbestos regulatory agency (5 pp, 17k) (original source http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/statecontactsapril2009.pdf ) for information on how to find an accredited asbestos professional.
In addition, the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) maintains a listing of accredited asbestos laboratories under the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). You may call NIST at (301) 975-4016
Guidelines for Removing Asbestos-Containing Floor Tile (Vinyl-Asbestos Tile / Asphalt-Asbestos Tile)
Is Asbestos-Containing Floor Tile Removal Necessary?
We begin by suggesting that you should not remove asbestos-containing floor tile unless it is really necessary. As with asbestos-containing products in general, the asbestos hazard at a building may be greater from disturbing asbestos-containing materials (ACM) than if they were left alone or covered up. But in some cases, particularly during certain building renovations or when asbestos-containing flooring is in poor condition and cannot easily be left in place, removal may be necessary.
As we point out at ASBESTOS FLOOR TILE IDENTIFICATION, the US EPA points out in Adequately Wet Guidance, EPA340/1-90-019 that asbestos-containing floor tiles are considered non-friable materials but the materials can become friable with age or by grinding, sanding, demolition, etc.
Here is what the University of Minnesota has to say about the hazards of this type of asbestos-containing floor tiles:
Flooring that contains asbestos, when intact and in good condition, is generally considered nonfriable and is not hazardous.
Heat, water, weathering or aging can weaken flooring to the point where it is considered friable. Friable flooring includes any material containing more than 1 percent asbestos that can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder with hand pressure. This includes previously nonfriable flooring material which has been damaged to the extent that it may be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure. Flooring can also be made friable during its removal. Friable materials can release asbestos fibers into the air. Once in the air, asbestos fibers present a health hazard to people who inhale those fibers.
See ASBESTOS FLOORING HAZARD REDUCTION for details. Also see ASBESTOS REMOVAL, Wetting Guidelines.
Specific Advice on Removing Asbestos-containing Asphalt or Vinyl Floor Tiles
First, here is the US EPA's general Asbestos Advice for Homeowners, quoting from Asbestos in Your Home, U.S. EPA
Asbestos Do's And Don'ts for the Homeowner
- Do keep activities to a minimum in any areas having damaged material that may contain asbestos.
- Do take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos material.
- Do have removal and major repair done by people trained and qualified in handling asbestos. It is highly recommended that sampling and minor repair also be done by asbestos professionals.
- Don't dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos.
- Don't saw, sand, scrape, or drill holes in asbestos materials.
- Don't use abrasive pads or brushes on power strippers to strip wax from asbestos flooring. Never use a power stripper on a dry floor.
- Don't sand or try to level asbestos flooring or its backing. When asbestos flooring needs replacing, install new floor covering over it, if possible.
- Don't track material that could contain asbestos through the house. If you cannot avoid walking through the area, have it cleaned with a wet mop. If the material is from a damaged area, or if a large area must be cleaned, call an asbestos professional.
Major repairs must be done only by a professional trained in methods for safely handling asbestos.
Minor repairs should also be done by professionals since there is always a risk of exposure to fibers when asbestos is disturbed.
Doing minor repairs yourself is not recommended since improper handling of asbestos materials can create a hazard where none existed.
Removal is usually the most expensive method and, unless required by state or local regulations, should be the last option considered in most situations. This is because removal poses the greatest risk of fiber release. However, removal may be required when remodeling or making major changes to your home that will disturb asbestos material. Also, removal may be called for if asbestos material is damaged extensively and cannot be otherwise repaired. Removal is complex and must be done only by a contractor with special training. Improper removal may actually increase the health risks to you and your family.
Asbestos Floor Tile Removal Advice
- EPA Guidance for Controlling Asbestos-Containing Materials in buildings, NIAST, National Institute on Abatement Sciences & Technology, [republishing EPA public documents] 1985 ed., Exposure Evaluation Division, Office of Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington,D.C. 20460
- The University of Minnesota source includes advice on removing asbestos-containing floor tiles if removal is required for any reason, and the UM provides examples of do-it-yourself removal procedures that are safe for homeowners as well as examples that were probably unsafe or improper. See "Asbestos Floor Tile Removal Guide & Instructions - copy on file as Asbestos_Floor_Tile_Removal_MDH.pdf ] -
- In general, avoid violent demolition, such as using floor sanders, grinders, or floor stripping machines to remove these materials.
- Before demolition or removal of asbestos-containing material check your own state or province for regulations that may apply to demolition or disposal of asbestos materials. See Asbestos Regulations: State asbestos regulatory agencies (5 pp, 17k) (original source http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/statecontactsapril2009.pdf ) for information on how to find an accredited asbestos professional.
- During demolition or removal, this material should be disturbed as little as possible. Asbestos monitoring may be required before, during, and after demolition and removal of asbestos containing flooring. US EPA asbestos monitoring advice is given below.
- Consider simply installing a new material atop the old asbestos-containing flooring. Remember that asbestos is not "radioactive" - it does not cause injury or illness simply by being present, encapsulated in a substance or covered-over by a new material.
- In most residential cases testing these floor products is probably not justified, but if you prefer to send asbestos-suspect material samples to an NVLAP certified lab, they usually want three separate samples each about 3/4" in diameter, and charge about $20./sample. Here is the NIST link about those labs: http://ts.nist.gov/Standards/scopes/temtm.htm that has a list of participants. NVLAP is a national voluntary lab accreditation program within NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) NIST is a non-regulatory federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce whose lab program is at http://ts.nist.gov/Standards/Accreditation/index.cfm
- Guidelines for wetting asbestos containing materials: see Adequately Wet Guidance, EPA340/1-90-019 that asbestos-containing floor tiles are considered non-friable materials but the materials can become friable with age or by grinding, sanding, demolition, etc.
Monitoring for Asbestos Fiber/Particle Contamination During Flooring Removal
Managing Asbestos in Place: A Building Owner's Guide to Operations and Maintenance Programs ("Green Book"), web search 08/11/2010, original source: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/management_in_place.html
How to Develop and Maintain a Building Asbestos Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Program, This information is designed to assist building owners and managers in understanding how to develop and maintain an operations and maintenance program for asbestos-containing materials in their buildings.
- Monitoring Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM), U.S. EPA, web search 08/11/2010, original source: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/section6.html, quoting:
Periodic Visual Reinspections and Air Monitoring for asbestos contamination
A visual reinspection of all ACM should be conducted at regular intervals as part of the O&M program to help ensure that any ACM damage or deterioration will be detected and corrective action taken.
-
EPA's asbestos regulations for schools (the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, "AHERA") (PDF) (96 pp, 589k), web search 08/17/2010, original source: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/2003pt763.pdf, require that an accredited inspector reinspect school buildings at least once every three years to reassess the condition of ACM.
-
The AHERA regulations for schools also require a routine surveillance check of ACM every six months to monitor the ACM's condition. This surveillance can be conducted by a trained school custodian or maintenance worker.
-
While only school buildings are required to have surveillance checks every six months, it is a good practice for other buildings with ACM. The asbestos program manager (APM) should establish appropriate surveillance and reinspection intervals, based on consultation with the building owner and any other qualified professionals involved in the O&M program.
-
EPA recommends a visual and physical evaluation of ACM during the reinspections to note the ACM's current condition and physical characteristics. Through this reinspection, it is possible to determine both the relative degree of damage and assess the likelihood of future fiber release.
-
Maintenance of a set of visual records (photos or video) of the ACM over time can be of great value during reinspections.
EPA recommends a visual and physical evaluation of ACM during the reinspections to note the ACM's current condition and physical characteristics.
Additional Asbestos-Contamination Prevention Measures
- Supplemental Air Monitoring for asbestos contamination
As part of an O&M program, a carefully designed air monitoring program to detect airborne asbestos fibers in the building may provide useful supplemental information when conducted along with a comprehensive visual and physical ACM inspection and reinspection program. For employees who are, or may reasonably be expected to be exposed to airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers above the permissible limits set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), regulations require that the employer conduct both initial and periodic air sampling. For more information about the OSHA exposure monitoring requirements, see the regulations at 29 CFR § 1910.1001(d).
If the ACM is currently in good condition, increases in airborne asbestos fiber levels at some later time may provide an early warning of deterioration or disturbance of the material. In that way, supplemental air monitoring can be a useful management tool. If an owner chooses to use air monitoring in an "early warning" context, a knowledgeable and experienced individual should be consulted to design a proper sampling strategy. (See Useful Links for more information on air monitoring.)
This air monitoring should supplement, not replace, physical and visual inspection. Visual inspection can recognize situations and anticipate future exposure (e.g., worsening water damage), whereas air monitoring can only detect a problem after it has occurred, and fibers have been released.
- Sampling Methods for asbestos contamination
Note that the collection of air samples for supplementary evaluation should not use aggressive air sampling methods. Aggressive sampling methods, in which air is deliberately disturbed or agitated by use of a leaf blower or fans, should only be used at the completion of an asbestos removal project inside the abatement containment area.
- Methods of Air Sampling Analysis for asbestos contamination
The most accurate and preferred method of analysis of air samples collected under an O&M program requires the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Phase contrast microscopy (PCM), which is commonly used for personal air sample analysis and as a screening tool for area air monitoring, cannot distinguish between asbestos fibers and other kinds of fibers which may be present in the air. PCM analysis also cannot detect thin asbestos fibers, and does not count short fibers. TEM analysis is more expensive than PCM analysis. However, the more accurate information on actual levels of airborne asbestos fibers that can be derived from TEM should be more beneficial to the building owner who elects to use supplemental air monitoring in the asbestos management program. TEM analysis is most reliably performed by laboratories accredited by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and who follow EPA’s quality assurance guidelines. (See References, U.S. EPA, Dec. 1989, Transmission Electron Microscopy Asbestos Laboratories: Quality Assurance Guidelines. Washington, DC: EPA 560/5-90-002).
- Selecting an Airborne Asbestos Monitoring Lab
Selection of a reliable and experienced air monitoring firm and analytical laboratory is important, if the building owner elects to conduct supplemental air monitoring under the O&M program. A consultant knowledgeable in air sampling and analysis protocols can be contacted for recommendations if the building owner or APM has limited knowledge in this area. Contact your state asbestos regulatory agency (5 pp, 17k, about PDF) for information on how to find an accredited asbestos professional.
In addition, the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) maintains a listing of accredited asbestos laboratories under the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). You may call NIST at (301) 975-4016.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Asbestos Floor Tile Hazard Reduction Methods
Question on reducing asbestos floor tile health risks:
Asbestos is safe and legal to remain in homes or public buildings as long as the asbestos
materials are in good condition and the asbestos can not be released into the air.
I live in Spain, in a house built in 1967, and I'm quite worried because I suspect that the floors of my house may contain asbestos.
I have a baby is 9 month old crawling around the house.
In several rooms I have a flaming ground, looking quite similar to many of the photos seen on your site. In some areas has deteriorated and has holes that emit or accumulate dust.
I'm not sure my ground detected on your site, but I send two photos if you are able to recognize or catalog. I really did not even know if it is vinyl or other material, I can not distinguish.
What I know is that tiles are thick (about 3 cm), with a thin layer of material seen (a few
millimeters) and then a mortar or something similar. The tiles measure 25x25cm.
I hope you can advise me on the matter, think that contain asbestos? If so, what I can do at home?
-- I.B., Spain
Answer:
We have not seen this exact tile pattern before, but from our records it looks a bit like some of the Kentile flooring. Quite possibly it was produced by a European manufacturer and is none of the brands for which we have data.
Our opinion includes the consideration that while foremost it is important to avoid creating an asbestos hazard by improper handling, and while it is usually reasonable to cover over asbestos floor tiles with a new layer of flooring, it is also important that you proceed properly, with local expert advice, so as to avoid creating inappropriate fear on the part of other users of the building.
Question: What are the options for covering asbestos-suspect floor tiles or sheet flooring?
 We are renovating a small bathroom that has resilient flooring of uncertain age, but from the style we think the floor tiles are from the 70s. We want to cover this floor tile to avoid an asbestos hazard. What are some options. - Anon.
Reply:
Remember that the hazard from asbestos-containing floor tiles is not like something that's "radioactive" - if the flooring is not damaged, if you avoid making a dusty mess by demolition, and more, if it the flooring can be covered and protected from damage, it is not harmful if left in place.
Current best asbestos advice is to avoid the dust and mess of demolition of vinyl asbestos flooring if you can simply cover it with another material.
Examples of asbestos floor tile or sheet flooring cover-ups that can work include:
- Carpeting (we don't recommend wall to wall carpets in basements nor in bathrooms)
- A new layer of resilient flooring, sheet or tiles, installed directly over the existing floor covering (typically using mastic) provided the current floor surface is smooth and sound
- A new layer of resilient flooring, sheet or tiles, installed over hardboard or other solid underlayment that is placed over the existing floor covering and secured by nails or screws to framing below in order to provide a smooth leveling surface.
- A new layer of resilient flooring, sheet or tiles, installed over a pour-on leveling compound (a concrete mix) used to level uneven floors (most suitable for concrete slab floors, may not be recommended over a wood framed-floor that is not framed solidly enough to resist flexing as the concrete pour-on underlayment may crack)
- A layer of epoxy floor paint and one or more layers of clear coat sealant. See Questions & Answers on Use of floor rejuvenators and restorative sealants on vinyl-asbestos floor tiles for an example of this approach.
Watch out: We do not recommend installing ceramic tile over a wood-framed floor before you have checked the flexibility of the floor system, in particular if the floor framing covers a larger span, say a dining room, or an area of heavy usage, say an entry hallway. The worry is that flexing floor framing may cause cracks in the ceramic tile job. Usually the floor can be stiffened sufficiently to avoid cracking either by reinforcing framing from below or by adding a layer of stiff underlayment.
Watch out: when adding a new layer of floor covering that requires underlayment or leveling compound, the increase in floor height where it abuts adjacent flooring of other rooms can create a trip hazard.
Question: our home has asbestos-suspect floor tiles, prior flooding, and mold smells
 I have a bedroom that smells of mildew and I know the room flooded once before we moved in. There are 2 asthmatics who live in the house so I pulled up carpet and pad. I found several pounds of sandy fine dirt underneath and decayed tiles. I never thought about asbestos until I got to the tile.
I figured it would be cement foundation. I have looked at the different websites and not seen this particular tile and are kind of afraid to touch it now. I want so badly to clean with soap, water, and bleach but are unsure if it is safe?
[I have provided some photos including the one shown at left]
I live in an extremely humid south-texas area and my home was built in 1955 so the deed says. If you have any advice for me
I would appreciate it very much. Right now my husband is in the hospital with pneumonia so I am trying to rid our home of any possible mildew before he comes home.
- D.R.R. 8/26/2012
Reply:
You are describing two different concerns: possible asbestos contamination from asbestos containing floor tiles under a carpet, and mold odors and a possible mold contamination problem in the building.
How to deal with asbestos-suspect floor tiles
The floor tiles in your (blurry so I'm unsure) photos look like vinyl flooring tiles that were made to resemble cork flooring. Some of these, depending on age, contain asbestos as fibers and filler.
Asbestos is safe and legal to remain in homes or public buildings as long as the asbestos
materials are in good condition and the asbestos can not be released into the air.
The material in most floor tiles is not particularly friable (as long as you're not doing a messy demolition), and asbestos release from such tiles while covered by carpeting would most likely be below the limits of detection.
More likely the dirt and debris you found atop the floor is soil that came through the overlaying carpeting, or it may be from deteriorating carpet backing or carpet padding.
Best bet is to dispose of old, questionable carpets entirely, HEPA vacuum and damp-wipe clean the entire area.
Also see Asbestos Flooring Hazard Level of Risk and see ASBESTOS FLOORING REMOVAL GUIDE. Readers who are considering removing asbestos containing materials should also see ASBESTOS REMOVAL, Wetting Guidelines.
How to deal with a possible indoor mold problem in the same area as the asbestos-suspect floor tiles
Because you note that a family member suffers from a respiratory illness, thus increasing the risks involved, you'll want to address household dust levels overall as well as a possible mold concern. Ask your physician for specific advice about exposures, risks, and cleaning in the home. To further address a possible mold contamination problem you'll need to:
- Inspect for visible mold and remove or clean that mold up. Using bleach to "kill" mold is not necessary (MOLD KILLING GUIDE) but cleaning the moldy surfaces and removing moldy material that can't be cleaned are the basic approach. (MOLD CLEANUP, DO IT YOURSELF)
- Identify possible areas of hidden mold contamination and decide if further investigation is warranted. See MOLD EXPERT, WHEN TO HIRE for help in deciding if it's cost justified and appropriate to bring in an expert. In my OPINION, given the history of flooding in the home, the mold smells, and the respiratory illness of a family member, it's likely that a thorough professional inspection is justified. Do not just "do a mold test" as a "test" alone would be unreliable and even if it indicated a problem you'd be no wiser about where to start investigating more thoroughly nor how to remove and clean up the problem.
- Identify possible or most likely causes of high indoor moisture or leaks and correct those - as indoor moisture is a gating factor in indoor mold growth. It may be as simple as installing a self-draining dehumidifier in the basement, but a more through building inspection may be appropriate.
See ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO ABOUT INDOOR MOLD for procedures for dealing with your mold worry.
...
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Technical Reviewers & References
Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.
- "Asbestos in your home or at work," Forsyth County Environmental Affairs Department, Winston-Salem NC
12/08
- "Asbestos Floor Tile Removal", the University of Minnesota's advice on removing VAT (vinyl asbestos or asphalt asbestos floor tile) can be read in detail at www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/asbestos/floortile/index.html
- Copy on file as - /hazmat/Asbestos_in_Your_Home_US_EPA.pdf - Asbestos in Your Home - U.S. EPA, Exposure Evaluation Division, Office of Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington,D.C. 20460
- Resilient Floor Covering Institute, 1030 15th St. NW, suite 350, Washington D.C.
- Asbestos regulations for schools (the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, "AHERA") (PDF) (96 pp, 589k), web search 08/17/2010, original source: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/2003pt763.pdf,
- Asbestos Regulations: State asbestos regulatory agencies (5 pp, 17k) (original source http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/statecontactsapril2009.pdf ) for information on how to find an accredited asbestos professional.
- "Asbestos Floor Tile Removal Guide & Instructions - copy on file as Asbestos_Floor_Tile_Removal_MDH.pdf ] - ", Minnesota Department of Health, retrieved 12/7/2010, original source: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/asbestos/floortile/index.html
- Asbestos products and their history and use in various building materials such as asphalt and vinyl flooring includes discussion which draws on Asbestos, Its Industrial Applications, D.V. Rosato, engineering consultant, Newton, MA, Reinhold Publishing, 1959 Library of Congress Catalog Card No.: 59-12535 (out of print).
- David Grudzinski,
Advantage Home Inspections,
is a professional home inspector in Cranston, RI. 02910. He can be reached at 401-935-6547,
fax- 401-490-0607 or by email to contact/us@advantagehomeinspections.us 04/26/2009
- EPA Guidance for Controlling Asbestos-Containing Materials in buildings, NIAST, National Institute on Abatement Sciences & Technology, [republishing EPA public documents] 1985 ed., Exposure Evaluation Division, Office of Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington,D.C. 20460
- The ABCs of Asbestos in Schools (August 2003), U.S. EPA, Web search 08/17/2010, original source: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/abcsfinal.pdf - aqui se encuenta la misma documenta escrito en Espan~ol: El ABC del Asbestos en las Escuelas, fuente original: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/spanishabcs.pdf
- How to Manage Asbestos in School buildings, AHERA Designated Person Self Study Guide, U.S. EPA 910-B-96-001, January 1996, web search 08/17/2010, original source: http://www.epa.gov/region2/ahera/e23.pdf
- Managing Asbestos in Place: A Building Owner's Guide to Operations and Maintenance Programs ("Green Book"), web search 08/11/2010, original source: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/management_in_place.html
How to Develop and Maintain a Building Asbestos Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Program, This information is designed to assist building owners and managers in understanding how to develop and maintain an operations and maintenance program for asbestos-containing materials in their buildings.
- EVER WEAR TILE CO is currently (2009) in the Terrazzo, Tile, Marble, and Mosaic Work industry in Fallon, NV. 775) 423-6221. [We do not know the company history nor whether there is an association with EverWear vinyl asbestos floor tiles discussed in this article.]
- Thomas Hauswirth, Managing Member of Beacon Fine Home Inspections, LLC and (in 2007) Vice President, Connecticut Association of Home Inspectors
Ph. 860-526-3355 Fax 860-526-2942 beaconinspections@sbcglobal.net 06/07: thanks for photographs of transite asbestos heating ducts
- Gary Randolph, Ounce of Prevention Home Inspection, LLC Buffalo, NY, for attentive reading and editing suggestions. Mr. Randolph can be reached in Buffalo, NY, at (716) 636-3865
or email: gary@ouncehome.com
3/07
- Asbestos Identification and Testing References
- Asbestos Identification, Walter C.McCrone, McCrone Research Institute, Chicago, IL.1987 ISBN 0-904962-11-3. Dr. McCrone literally "wrote the book" on asbestos identification procedures which formed
the basis for current work by asbestos identification laboratories.
- Stanton, .F., et al., National Bureau of Standards Special Publication 506: 143-151
- Pott, F., Staub-Reinhalf Luft 38, 486-490 (1978) cited by McCrone
- Asbestos NESHAP Adequately Wet Guidance, EPA340/1-90-019, December 1990, U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Stationary Source Compliance Division, Washington, DC 20460,original web source: http://www.epa.gov/region04/air/asbestos/awet.htm
- Asbestos products and their history and use in various building materials such as asphalt and vinyl flooring includes discussion which draws on Asbestos, Its Industrial Applications, D.V. Rosato, engineering consultant, Newton, MA, Reinhold Publishing, 1959 Library of Congress Catalog Card No.: 59-12535 (out of print, text and images available at InspectAPedia.com).
- EPA Asbestos Materials Bans: Clarification 1999
- Dust from the World Trade Center collapse following the 9/11/01 attack: the lower floors of this building contained spray-on fire-proofing asbestos materials.
- "Handling Asbestos-Containing roofing material - an update", Carl Good, NRCA Associate Executive Director, Professional Roofing, February 1992, p. 38-43
- EPA Guidance for Controlling Asbestos-Containing Materials in buildings, NIAST, National Institute on Abatement Sciences & Technology, [republishing EPA public documents] 1985 ed., Exposure Evaluation Division, Office of Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington,D.C. 20460
- Copy on file as - /hazmat/Asbestos_in_Your_Home_US_EPA.pdf - Asbestos in Your Home - U.S. EPA, Exposure Evaluation Division, Office of Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington,D.C. 20460
- ...
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
 The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
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I live in Spain, in a house built in 1967, and I'm quite worried because I suspect that the floors of my house may contain asbestos.
I have a baby is 9 month old crawling around the house.
We are renovating a small bathroom that has resilient flooring of uncertain age, but from the style we think the floor tiles are from the 70s. We want to cover this floor tile to avoid an asbestos hazard. What are some options. - Anon.
I have a bedroom that smells of mildew and I know the room flooded once before we moved in. There are 2 asthmatics who live in the house so I pulled up carpet and pad. I found several pounds of sandy fine dirt underneath and decayed tiles. I never thought about asbestos until I got to the tile. 
