Asbestos Is Hazardous
Asbestos has many qualities that made it an ideal material
choice of builders for many years. It is extremely durable, can withstand high
temperatures and tends to be fire-resistant. It is also a great insulator.
Contractors and builders used asbestos in a variety of projects and household
products, unbeknownst of its hazardous qualities. Beyond floor tiles, asbestos
was used and can still be found in some of the following places:
Despite
all of the benefits to using asbestos, contractors stopped using it when it
became linked to various forms of lung cancers and breathing problems. While
all asbestos removal should be handled by a professional,
floor
tile removal can be more
complicated than other jobs and should only be handled by professionals.
Why Have Floor Tiles Removed
Floor
tiles that have asbestos components are not as dangerous to a building's
occupants as other areas that have been made with asbestos. This is because the
tiles are mixed, secured and sealed with the other products used to create the
floor tile. However, should a tile become loose or broken, it can be dangerous
health risk.
Also,
mold often develops under tiles, making them necessary to change. Attempting to
change tiles yourself will expose you and the other occupants of your building
or home to dangerous circumstances.
A Special Removal Process
If your
tiles have been made with asbestos, a particular removal process is necessary.
The level of hazard can be determined by whether the asbestos is
friable
or non-friable. Friable
asbestos has looser fibers and powders and is easier to inhale. Floor tiles
generally are made with compounded non-friable asbestos, but this does not make
them any safer in their removal. For example, floor tiles containing asbestos
cannot be removed using power tools or any type of sanding process. These
procedures would enable the asbestos to become loose, making them easier to
breath in.
In
fact, unlike removing regular floor tiles, those containing asbestos require
the following
pre-cautions and care:
-
Asbestos
floor tiles cannot be sanded
-
It is
not possible to use a power tool
-
The entire floor needs to be soaked in water for 30 minutes.
(This prevents the asbestos from getting into the air)
-
Do not
use a vacuum to clean up – this will trap asbestos and reintroduce them into
the air
Ontario Specialty Contracting
Ontario
Specialty Contracting is a fully insured and bonded company. We have years of
experience in effective and safe asbestos removal. Avoid the risks involved with removing
asbestos floor tiles and contact us today at 1-888-755-3336.