Asbestos Found in Flooring Backing

Asbestos was used prolifically in building construction before the 1980s. Among other places, you can find it in flooring backing, the protective layer found beneath hardwood floorboards, linoleum, floor tiles, and sometimes even behind carpets. As a result, asbestos still exists around us in one form or the other, and we are vulnerable to exposure without quite knowing it.

Asbestos Exposure from Flooring Backing

Unless you live in a house made after the 1990s, it is more than likely that the flooring backing contains asbestos. There has been a huge effort to remove asbestos in homes and public buildings ever since the connection between asbestos and the ensuing medical condition was confirmed in the 1970s. However, it is not possible to remove all traces of the product because so many buildings used the mineral.

Flooring Backing Containing Asbestos Fibers

While the link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is a fact and the large number of successful litigations are evidence of that, it is also a fact that there is no direct correlation between the levels of asbestos exposure and contracting mesothelioma. People with very little exposure to floor backing have been known to contract the disease. On the other hand, those who worked regularly with asbestos-laden floor backing have not developed mesothelioma. The undeniable truth is that everyone exposed to asbestos is definitely at risk.

Linoleum asbestos backing

Unless you live in a home made after 1990, chances are that there is asbestos in the flooring below the carpeting or the tiles. But these are not harmful in any way so long as there is no damage like breakage or any other way by which the asbestos fibers come loose. As long as you continue the way it is, there is no risk of asbestos exposure. If you are considering renovation, then you must consult a professional.

You may want to remove the flooring backing altogether. What you need to know is that using power tools to cut out the old tiles and remove the backing will release asbestos fibers into the air. To sand the tiles will also have the same effect. Even if the job is done with great efficiency and speed, any amount of asbestos dust that the process emanates will eventually create health problems. The ideal way is not to disturb the old tiles and simply lay the new non-asbestos tiles or flooring material on top of it.

What does asbestos backing look like?

Pictures(coming soon)

Removing asbestos backing on floors

Knowing the dangers of floors with asbestos backings now as we do, a lot of demolition and replacement is going on in homes that belong to the period between 1900 and 1980. The job is necessary but carries the threat of releasing asbestos fibers and posing a risk for thosee engaged in the task. It is essential, therefore, to take precautions such as wearing the right gear at the job. This includes respirators and disposable overalls for the men at work and disposal of debris according to EPA guidelines.