Asbestos floor tile removal: what you need to know
Asbestos floor tiles, once a common and durable flooring material, are now known to pose a significant health risk. These tiles, often found in older homes and commercial buildings, contain microscopic asbestos fibres that can become airborne when disturbed. Inhaling these fibres can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
If you suspect that your property contains asbestos floor tiles, it is crucial to take immediate action. Ignoring the presence of asbestos can put you and those around you at risk. Understanding the dangers of asbestos floor tiles and knowing the proper steps for removal is essential for protecting your health and property.
In this blog post, we will equip you with the knowledge to help you identify asbestos tiles in your property, and the best course of action to have them removed safely.
What are asbestos floor tiles?
Asbestos floor tiles were widely used throughout the 20th century. These tiles are typically composed of a cement or vinyl binder reinforced with asbestos fibres. While asbestos floor tiles were considered a visually appealing and durable flooring option, they can become a health risk when conducting renovation or refurbishment works.
These tiles can be found in a variety of colours, patterns, and styles, often resembling traditional ceramic tiles. They were commonly used in homes, schools, offices, and other commercial buildings. As a result, they are unfortunately impossible to identify by sight alone.
If you suspect that tiles within your property contain asbestos, we recommend professional testing. As a longstanding North East-based business, we have strong relationships with companies in the region that provide dedicated asbestos testing services. If you would like a recommendation, contact our team and we can advise accordingly.
Why are asbestos floor tiles dangerous?
The primary danger lies in the asbestos fibres contained within these tiles. When asbestos fibres are released into the air, they can be inhaled, leading to various respiratory diseases.
Asbestos fibres are microscopic and highly resistant to degradation. They can remain airborne for extended periods, increasing the risk of inhalation. When inhaled, these fibres can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing significant damage.
The health risks associated with asbestos exposure are severe and can include:
- Lung cancer: asbestos exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer, particularly among individuals who also smoke.
- Mesothelioma: a rare and aggressive cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs and abdomen.
- Asbestosis: a chronic lung disease caused by asbestos inhalation, leading to scarring and difficulty breathing.
It is important to note that the health effects of asbestos exposure can take decades to manifest. This long latency period makes it challenging to link specific symptoms to asbestos exposure.
Even minor disturbances to asbestos floor tiles, such as drilling, sanding, or removal, can release harmful asbestos fibres into the air. Therefore, it is crucial to handle these tiles with extreme caution and seek professional assistance.
Can you cover asbestos floor tiles?
While it is possible to cover asbestos floor tiles in the UK with a new layer of flooring, this is only permissible if the tiles are in good condition and show no signs of damage or deterioration.
While covering asbestos floor tiles may seem like a quick and easy solution, it is not recommended. Covering these tiles can trap moisture, which can lead to further deterioration and increase the risk of asbestos fibres becoming airborne. Additionally, the covering material itself can become damaged over time, exposing the asbestos beneath.
If the asbestos floor tiles are damaged or deteriorating, they must be removed by a licensed asbestos removal contractor. This is the only safe and legal way to deal with asbestos floor tiles. Covering them simply masks the problem and doesn’t eliminate the potential health hazards.
Can you remove asbestos floor tiles yourself?
It is not recommended. Asbestos floor tile removal requires specialised equipment, training, and adherence to strict safety protocols. Attempting asbestos floor tile removal yourself can be dangerous.
By choosing a professional asbestos removal company, you can:
- Protect your health and the health of others: professional removal ensures that asbestos fibres are contained and disposed of safely.
- Avoid legal complications: professional companies are familiar with all relevant regulations and will handle the removal process accordingly.
- Experience quick and efficient removal: professional technicians have the experience and knowledge to complete the job effectively and minimise unnecessary disruption to your property.
How can Henderson Environmental help?
At Henderson Environmental, we regularly remove asbestos floor tiles from commercial and residential properties across the North East of England. We also offer asbestos floor tile disposal services and are fully licensed by HSE.
We understand the importance of timely and cost-effective asbestos removal and are committed to delivering exceptional results. Contact us today for a professional assessment.
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