In tile flooring can you see asbestos?

Question

Is there a way you can visually check for this, and if you know of any websites with pics or info please state, thank-you.

Answer 1

Short answer - no you cannot see asbestos. It must be tested at a lab.

Long answer: Asbestos is classified into 2 categories that you need to know about. Non-Friable is asbestos that doesn't get airborneee. Friable is asbestos that does get airborn. Basically, both are bad, but friable is worse. The reason is that asbestos, if you looked at it under a microscope, is a hollow tube structure with barbs (like fish hooks) at the end. Once asbestos becomes airborn, it is very difficult (some government agencies consider it impossible) to get it out of the air. When you breathe in the asbestos, the little barbs at the end hook into your lung tissue. A few people have a very adverse reaction to even a very low dose of friable asbestos, this is called mesothelioma (sp), a fast acting cancer. With prolonged exposure to asbestos, you may get Asbestosis, a condition that may cause a variety of different aliments.

So, the post above regarding just covering up the asbestos is valid. However, if possible, you should have someone come in and test it. The same person could then take the proper steps to remove it from your home & safely dispose of it (at a special site). Under no circumstances do you want to attempt to remove the asebstos yourself. In addition, some adhesives that were used to glue the tile to the floor also contain asebstos.

Answer 2

We've sold some buildings that have Asbestos. Some older schools have those Tile floors as you say. Then there are some of the older houses that have Duck work wrapped in it. You can have it tested but if you do you could put the building on a Asbestos list which limits whom may be interested in buying it. Or check around as the removal companies don't all charge the same. We sold an old school house that had it and the guy removed it. the building was like 5-8,000 square feet and it cost like $ 2,500 not so bad... as far as websites have you just typed in the word asbestos in your search engine?

Good luck...

Answer 3

Doubtful if you can see any. Generally tile floors with asbestos are older floors, but they present no hazard. Asbestos danger is way overblown anyway, takes years of exposure to cause any problems. Generally no asbestos is released from tiles, that is why you still see so much older tile still in place.
The biggest danger of generating asbestos fibers is by removing the tile. Just cover it over if you don't want to worry about it.

Answer 4

Small asbestos fibers are visible around the edges or on the back of some tiles.

Answer 5

You can get a kit to send off and test. If you knew the age of the tiles you could be pretty certain. No you can't see it...and if it is sealed you should leave it alone...the danger comes from the dust and disposal is extremely expensive ( if done legally)

Answer 6

If it's pretty old tile and you break it and see little fibers in it, then it's more than likely asbestos.

Answer 7

if the tiles are older then 78 then you can bet that they are asbestos.

Answer 8

I don't think you can see it, but I think there are kits that you can send into a lab and have it checked, I would call the local hardware store and see, but I am not sure.

Answer 9

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