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Red brick 12x12 vinyl tile NO asbestos (C) InspectApedia.com EdFloor Tiles & Sheet ID Photos 1980-1989 FAQs
Q&A on identifying flooring from the 1980s

  • POST a QUESTION or COMMENT about how to identify brands & types of vinyl & vinyl-asbestos floor tiles & sheet flooring & about the asbestos content of these products

Photo guide to asphalt asbestos and vinyl asbestos floor tiles, 1980-1988

This page provides Armstrong floor tile dentification photographs, product names, styles, colors, and vinyl-asbestos floor patterns, and colors for asbestos-containing floor tile products made between 1980 and 1988.

Some of these flooring materials are reported to or have been confirmed to contain asbestos in asbestos fiber or asbestos powder-filler form.

Page top photo: 1968 era home had this flooring that was tested and found not to contain asbestos. We note that the floor may have been newer than the home. Details are below.

This article series provides a guide to identifying asphalt-asbestos flooring (1917 - ca 1960) & vinyl asbestos floor tile (ca 1952 - 1986). These flooring products typically contain chrysotile asbestos, and possibly other asbestos forms.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

- Daniel Friedman, Publisher/Editor/Author - See WHO ARE WE?

Asbestos in Floor Tiles 1980 - 1988 FAQs

1985 Armstrong GlazeCraft flooring box data (C) InspectApedia.com DaleDuda1985 Armstrong GlazeCraft flooring box data (C) InspectApedia.com DaleDudaThese questions about identifying asbestos-containing flooring (or flooring that does not contain asbestsos) in floor tiles and sheet flooring produced in the 1980s were posted originally

at ASBESTOS FLOOR TILE IDENTIFICATION PHOTOS 1980-1988 - be sure to see the flooring identification photos given there.

[Click to enlarge any image]

On 2020-02-19 - by (mod) - Not all Armstrong flooring contained asbestos

Shown here: Armstrong Glazecraft "no-wax" "dry-back" 9x9" floor tile that the company says did not contain asbestos.

No, Nick;

It is correct that even during years when asbestos was widely used in vinyl and asphalt floor tiles (and sheet flooring) not all Armstrong products contained asbestos.

You can certainly have a sample of your Armstrong Glazecraft floor tiles tested for asbestos - it costs typically around $50.

On 2020-02-19 by Nick - Armstrong says Glazecraft Floor Tiles Don't Contain Asbestos

I called Armstrong today. After looking up the details I provided, they said that none of the Glazecraft tiles contain asbestos. Do you know if anyone has independently verified this?

On 2020-02-19 - by (mod) -

A reasonable guess is that that 7/84 could be a production date and the 207810 could be a Lot Number though usually that information appears as an add-on stamping on the tile box top or side.

On 2020-02-19 by Nick

was there an answer to this? Please see attached [photo above] for the bottom of the same style of box Dale provided.

On 2019-10-27 - by (mod) -

I'd like to see a photo of the box side with the lot number [now given above - Ed.] ; and I'll research it further; if you hear from Armstrong do let us know as that'll help other readers;

Bottom line: with no more data you'd treat the floor as presumed to contain asbestos, and if possible, leave it alone, in place, and simply cover it over with new flooring; but before covering over the floor you'll want to fix the cause of water entry or wet floors;

On 2019-10-27 by (mod) - Do these Armstrong Glazecraft vinyl floor tiles [shown a bove] , 9 by 9 inch, purchased in the mid 1980s contain asbestos?

I'd like to see a photo of the box side with the lot number; and I'll research it further; if you hear from Armstrong do let us know as that'll help other readers;

Bottom line: with no more data you'd treat the floor as presumed to contain asbestos, and if possible, leave it alone, in place, and simply cover it over with new flooring; but before covering over the floor you'll want to fix the cause of water entry or wet floors;

On 2019-10-26 by Dale Duda

Well, we are not planning to remove it, but since it's in a basement with some dampness for 40 years, some of the tiles have become loose and a few have chipped. This is why I want to know about asbestos. I did a search on Armstrong website for asbestos and nothing comes up. I can try calling them since the box has a lot number. Thanks.

On 2019-10-28 9 - by (mod) - 12x12 Armstrong peel and stick floor tile ca 1986

That floor could contain asbestos - it's date is right around the time (ca 1986) when manufacturers in the US stopped using asbestos in vinyl flooring products.

As we discussed by email:

I have not seen this exact tile pattern; unfortunately "mid 1980's" is right at the time when manufacturers were stopping use of asbestos - one cannot be certain of the asbestos content of a floor from that era without testing; mores-o because some popular patterns continued right across the cessation of use of asbestos.

More help is at

DOES THIS FLOOR CONTAIN ASBESTOS? - 5 easy questions

To invite reader comment I will include your second photo of the Armstrong imprint on the back of this peel and stick floor tile.

Armstrong peel and stick floor tile from ca 1985 (C) InspectApedia.com Amicfiol

On 2019-10-28 by amicfio15

I have attached a photo of a 12x12 Armstrong peel and stick floor tile that I have to assume is from the mid 1980s (maybe between 1984 and 1987) because that's about when I was told the kitchen was redone in the house.

I have search widely on-line and cannot find a similar pattern design tile. My question is has anyone else seen this tile pattern and if so do you know if it contains asbestos? Thanks you.

On 2019-10-21 by (mod) -

It is too bad to be faced with as n asbestos-in-flooring question about flooring dating from the cusp of the point at which Armstrong stopped using asbestos in floor tiles.

Sometimes by contacting the company directly you can find a person who can research their records and answer your question.

It would also be helpful to be sure we understand just what concern is being addressed here.

Left intact and undamaged the floor is not at all likely to be producing a detectable level of asbestos in your environment. The standard advice of covering the floor is the recommended procedure. Only if you were facing the an unavoidable dusty demolition would there be a significant asbestos concern.

On 2019-10-21 by Dale Duda

Shown above is the box. It appears to have a date of 1984 on the backside along with a product code. Is there a way to look up by code number?

On 2019-10-20 by (mod) - Do these Armstrong Glazecraft vinyl floor tiles, 9 by 9 inch, purchased in the mid 1980s contain asbestos?

Dale

I'd like tho see your photos, an you'll want to see DOES THIS FLOORING CONTAIN ASBESTOS?

On 2019-10-20 by Dale Duda

Do these Armstrong Glazecraft vinyl floor tiles, 9 by 9 inch, purchased in the mid 1980s contain asbestos? Photos [now above on this page] enclosed including one of the box they came in.
Thank you.

On 2019-09-16 by (mod) - Does this 1979 vinyl floor contain asbestos?

Given the age of the house and the type of flooring I would treat the floor is presumed to contain asbestos or else have a sample tested.

To make a more informed to guest before testing check out the article in the more reading links above and titled

Does this floor contain asbestos?

On 2019-09-16 by Anonymous

There is a house built in 1979 that I am interested in buying. But I saw the flooring in the basement. I am wondering if it contains asbestos.

Asbestos suspect 1979 vinyl flooring (C) InspectApedia.com

On 2019-06-23 by (mod) -

As with most substances it's the dose that makes the poison. So we don't know what your level of dust and exposure was Nor whether there was asbestos or other harmful material in it. Clearly it wasn't lethal. After all we are corresponding.

On 2019-06-22 by Lisa

We tore up old flooring in our house that was built in 1989. It was brown and came out in chunks as it was glued to the subfloor. Because it was built in 1989 we assumed it was safe. Now I am not so sure. This was 10 years ago and we have since sold that house. Is a one time exposure lethal?

On 2019-03-11 by (mod) -

I'd treat the flooring as presumed to contain asbestos or have a sample tested

On 2019-03-11 by Kelly

My house was built in 1983. I was wanting to remove the carpet in my house, but discovered this tile underneath. I can’t find it listed.
IMAGE LOST by older version of Clark Van Oyen’s useful Comments code - now fixed. Please re-post the image if you can. Sorry. Mod.

On 2019-01-28 by (mod) -

Unfortunately 1985 is a bit close to the cut-off year. Your floor MIGHT contain asbeestos.

On 2019-01-28 by M. May

Floor in kitchen located in Fairfax, Virginia in a townhouse built in 1985. Looks just like one on your website. Is this likely to be asbestos?
IMAGE LOST by older version of Clark Van Oyen’s useful Comments code - now fixed. Please re-post the image if you can. Sorry. Mod.

 

On 2019-01-28 by (mod) - Asbestos risk in 1985 White Romford Brick Flooring Pattern

Unfortunately 1985 is a bit close to the cut-off year in which U.S. manufacturers stopped using asbestos in flooring.

Consider also that if the floor was installed in 1985 it might have been "new old stock' from an earlier year.

Your floor MIGHT contain asbestos.

On 2019-01-28 by M. May

Floor in kitchen located in Fairfax, Virginia in a townhouse built in 1985. Looks just like one on your website. Is this likely to be asbestos?

 

 

 

On 2018-12-29 by (mod) - manage the risk of 1968-era vinyl asbestos floor tiles

Asbestos likely in this 1968 vinyl asbestos floor tile (C) Inspectapdia.com JoeJoe

There's no need to panic - and doing so can become very expensive.

The material isn't radioactive - the hazard from asbestos in floor tiles comes from making a dusty mess by chopping, grinding, sawing, etc.

In the ARTICLE INDEX see the guidelines for ASBESTOS FLOOR TILE REMOVAL and WETTING GUIDELINES for more help in proper procedure.

On 2018-12-29 by Joe

Next picture (shown above) is older floor underneath. Luan was bailed through, likely to sub floor. This really worries me

On 2018-12-29 by Joe Armstrong floor tile logo on back side of 9x9 floor tiles

Update: I removed 4 damaged tiles, luan underneath over older floor. Pic shows backside, definitely Armstrong, not sure what KB means

Armstrong flooring logo on the back side of 1968 or newer 9x9 floor tiles (C) Inspectapedia.com Joe

On 2018-12-29 by (mod) -

Joe

I haven't seen that exact pattern.

IF you think the floor was installed before the mid 1980s and the home is in the U.S.

AND IF you have to demolish the floor and cannot do so without damaging tiles and making dust,

THEN yes you could have a sample tested - in the ARTICLE INDEX you'll find ASBESTOS TEST LABS

On 2018-12-29 by Joe

I have 9x9x3/32" self adhesive tiles in kitchen. One has started to breakup, thinking of replacing. House was built in 1968, we're living here since 1998. Floor was installed when we moved in. Attached is pic.

Do you think it's worth it to get it tested? I searched your gallery could not find anything similar. This is a great resource, thanks!

1968 or later Armstrong 9x9 floor tile with flower border (C) Inspectapedia.com Joe

On 2018-11-22 by (mod) - Mid 1980s 12x12 brick pattern vinyl tile test report - the lab found no asbestos

Red brick 12x12 vinyl tile NO asbestos (C) InspectApedia.com EdThanks Ed.

Your data, photo, test report are a valuable addition that I'll be sure to keep in the article series.

Indeed the various Armstrong brick patterns in both tiles and sheet flooring were so popular as to have been produced over many years, including early tiles, later self-adhesive tiles, sheet flooring, and later in non-asbestos forms of those same products.

If you found no asbestos in a self-adhesive tile it is probably from the mid 1980s.

Knowing the age, country and city of the home would also be helpful.

On 2018-11-22 by Ed

This site is a great resource so I wanted to add our data.

During a kitchen remodel we found some 12x12 vinyl tile and had it tested - the lab found no asbestos.

The tile is very similar to the "Bradford Brick" pattern, but it's brown (which is not in the Armstrong catalog). I believe it is self-adhesive (at least, there's no discernible separate adhesive), and was most likely installed in the late 70s or early 80s.

Comment: Test Results for Armstrong Sheet Flooring - 70% Asbestos

In one of the asbestos pages of your site ( this page - Ed.), your second photo is of a sheet layment.

The text about the photo clarifies that the person who sent the photo was confused about Armstrong and Congoleum.

I wanted to let you know that I have that exact same sheet layment and had it tested. It's 70% asbestos.

Thought you may want to let readers know so they can save the cost of testing and just deal with the issue accordingly.

I appreciate your site. Thank you for taking the time to put together all the information. - D.H. 10/11/2012

Reply:

Thank you so much D.H. for the floor covering test result confirming asbestos content in this material.

We a welcome critique, questions, or content suggestions for our web articles, and as your feedback illustrates, working together and exchanging information makes us better informed than any individual can be working alone.

On 2018-10-08 by (mod) - safe removal of old asbestos-suspect flooring

Jacqueline

If you are not grinding, chopping, sawing old floor tiles, the dust released from them - removed intact - should be very little.

Still you should see ASBESTOS FLOORING REMOVAL GUIDE at https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos-Floor-Removal.php

On 2018-10-08 by Jacqueline

I bought a house built on 1978, my husband and I started to remove the vinyl tiles which are three layers. Two are 9x9 and one 12x12. We removed them with hot gun, some were broken. Now I am worry about release of asbestos in the house and we have breathed. I still have half to be removed.

What should I do? If asbestos became friable what to do with furniture and how to clean the air in the house? Thanks for replies

On 2018-09-05 by (mod) - treat the floors shown below as PACM

Kirk,

It would be smart to treat both of those flooring presumed asbestos containing materials, or "PACM".

I think your photos are of sheet flooring, not floor tiles. Those guides start at RESILIENT SHEET FLOORING ID GUIDE

On 2018-09-04 by Kirk - early 1980s sheet flooring patterns

Sheet flooring, probably early 1980s (C) Inspectapedia.com

Here are two images that I can not locate on y’all site. History on the house: built mid 70’s, flooring is unknown age.

Over the years flooring has been added. Wife and I recently pulled up hard wood floors and was told that the installers couldn’t put the new floor down with the old floor still there.

We told them to put it over it and be done but it would void the manufactures warranty. Is it possible that these images of flooring not contain asbestos?

Sheet flooring, probably early 1980s (C) Inspectapedia.com

On 2018-07-18 19:52:44.691049 by Donna

Last week, I walked into a popular decorating/hobby store and noticed (after walking to the back of the store) that they had been moving racks which had probably been sitting on the floor for 20+ years.

The vinyl floor tiles where the racks had been were in very bad condition - some broken, missing or the top layer of color missing.

I was in the store for about 20 minutes. Afterwards, I started worrying about asbestos and tried to find the year that the store was built. All I could find was that the shopping center was built in 1989. The tiles were large, shiny and mostly white with some light grey streaks.

I don't want to go back and take a picture, but could these contain asbestos? I am concerned not only for myself but also for all the kids and babies I saw in there.

On 2018-05-29 by (mod) - late 1970s early 1980s floor tile ID

You will find a close if not exact match in this Armstrong vinyl-asbestos tile series.

I would not, without more information, assume that an asbestos removal job would be appropriate. Usually the safest and most economical course is to cover over the flooring.

One or two loose tiles that have not been smashed into pieces, ground, sawn, sanded, etc. are not likely to release detectable levels of asbestos dust.

Ambers 12x12 floor tiles (C) InspectApedia.com

On 2018-05-29 by Amber

I recently had a flood in my partially finished basement. I had to rip up the carpet and I found these tiles under the carpet.

My house was built in 1979 and I cannot find these tiles on any identification site. My husband broke one ripping up carpet and they are extremely thin but they are 12x12. Since we broke one by accident I am unsure of what we should do.

I might want to add that there are exposed broken tiles in front of the HVAC that have been there since I moved in. I dont remember signing an asbestos addendum after closing but I am going through my closing papers now. Have you ever seen these tiles?

On 2018-03-21 1 by (mod) - reliability of asbestos tests of 12 x 12 Armstrong imperial texture tile from 1980

Sara

Thank you for asking an important question: what's the reliability of asbestos tests on Armstrong floor tiles as well as the reliability of claims that materials do or don't actually contain asbestos.

And I apologize for the confusion. Unfortunately for some products, particularly those manufactured near the end of popular use of asbestos in building materials we are indeed left with a troubling and confusing situation: manufacturers may have phased out use of asbestos in flooring over several years.

In addition there may have been new old stock sold by some retailers, so even after asbestos-flooring was no longer manufactured, some installers as well as some vendors may have had slightly older (asbestos-containing) floor tiles that were sold and installed.

Further, some very popular floor tile patterns were sold with and later without containing asbestos.

I have had floor tile test results as well as results reported by readers varied, reporting presence of asbestos in some flooring and absence of asbestos in other flooring that looked the same and was produced close to the same time.

These problems particularly arise from about 1978 through 1985 or 1985.

Where that leaves us is, like you, confused and having to offer this advice:

Asbestos materials that are not friable and are not being ground, sawn, or otherwise made into a dusty mess are not required to be removed from homes, and more, are usually safest left alone, in place, covered-over where possible with new floor coverings. That creates the lowest risk.

Where you face an unavoidable dusty demolition then before starting such a project, for flooring that was made or installed during the window of uncertainty that I suggest, it would be prudent to either

1. decide to treat the flooring as if it contained asbestos (taking appropriate measures to control dust and to clean up properly)
or
2. have samples of the flooring tested for asbestos.

SOME flooring products such as sheet flooring and some self-stick flooring produced during that period (as well as later) are made of several layers including an adhesive (on self-stick tiles), a backer, a center body, a top layer of color and pattern, and a topmost clear layer giving wear protection.

IF an asbestos test lab did not look at these several layers it would be possible to miss asbestos content. That problem is not so common in floor tiles but it's very common in the thicker ceiling tiles, some of which contain asbestos in the body or backer but not in the exposed surface.

When we know so little about someone's specific home, we can't bet your money, your safety, nor our reputation on a hasty superficial reply. So we're left with little choice but to advise prudence: for these uncertain cases, treat the floor as if it is presumed to contain asbestos, or have it tested.

Also see OTHER PEOPLE's MONEY at https://inspectapedia.com/home_inspection/Other_Peoples_Money.php

On 2018-03-21 by Sara

I’m confused reading this - I have 12 x 12 Armstrong imperial texture tile from 1980. The old owners recently also tiled an adjoining room in 2011 and used the “cool white” color to match the 1980s floor (perfect match). I sent in a sample of the old flooring and it came back negative for asbestos, but I also see the 12 x 12 texture tile listed on this site. Could the test I sent in be wrong??

On 2018-02-19 by (mod) -

Donnie,

Thank you for the update. If you're willing, use the page top or bottom CONTACT link to send me a copy of your asbestos test lab report - that will support any future assertion about this flooring.

Thanks

Daniel

On 2018-02-19 0 by Donnie - will test the mini square chip flooring

Thanks! I did bite the bullet and just decide to have it tested to be on the safe side, I'll make sure to update as soon as i get the results back.

On 2018-02-19 by (mod) - asbestos in 1970s "mini square" sheet flooring

Donnie

The flooring in your photo looks like a monotonic, off-white version of a popular sheet flooring I've found in homes where the product was installed in the 1960's-1970's. This floor covering is presumed to contain asbestos. I'll attach one of my similar images below.

1970s sheet flooring, mini squares, asbestos (C) Daniel Friedman at InspectApedia.com

On 2018-02-19 19:25:07.838982 by Donnie

Hi sir, i haven't been able to locate an image of the tile i plan on ripping up to see if it's asbestos or not, it was below two other layers so i suspect 70's and it's a 12x12 tile (maybe vinyl?) I'm unsure.

. Does this look familiar to you at all? thank you for any and all help.

1970s sheet floor mini squares probably contains asbestos (C) InspectApedia.com Donnie

On 2016-08-2 by (mod) - when new, the detectable airborne level of asbestos released from vinyl asbestos floor tiles was probably close to zero

Jim

I agree that especially when new, the detectable airborne level of asbestos released from vinyl asbestos floor tiles was probably close to zero and that absent messy demolition it usually remains exceptionally low today except when people are grinding, sanding, chopping, sawing old asbestos-containing materials.

THAT is a greater hazard than leaving the floor in place, particularly when covering or sealing a good-condition floor is rather easy.

As you ask "why" there are so many "let me rip out your floor" people, I'd lay the explanation at the doorstep of fear + an opportunity to make a buck.

See ENVIRO-SCARE - PUBLIC FEAR CYCLES at https://inspectapedia.com/Environment/Enviro_Scare.php

There have always been people quick to jump on to the scare train: we saw that with UFFI in the 70's when you were laying VAT flooring. Consumer fear cycles are somewhat independent of the actual hazard level.

Related to the problem in my OPINION are consultants who spend the client's money to reduce the consultant's risk.

Search InspectApedia.com for OTHER PEOPLE's MONEY to read details.

To be fair if an old asbestos containing floor is broken up and thus in poor condition, removal of at least loose debris is likely to be needed; but a floor in good condition might simply be covered over.

On 2016-08-20 12:47:36.977112 by Jim Rodgers

As a contractor I laid 1000s of square yards of vinyl asbestos tiles in the 60/70s with no HS issues, now why are there so many people trying to make money for removing them from the floor and disposing of them

On 2016-07-25 15:03:13.873079 by (mod) -

Certainly there are potential worries.
The dust from ground or chopped ceramic materials might contain high levels of very small silica or other fine particulates that can be harmful to breathe.
As you're asking about ceramic tile on a vinyl-asbestos floor tile page, I speculate you're also worried about an asbestos hazard.

Search InspectApedia.com or look in the page bottom ARTICLE INDEX for ASBESTOS in CERAMIC TILE to read details about that material.

Also see for ASBESTOS in TILE MASTIC as some tile adhesives contained asbestos.

On 2016-07-24 21:20:39.699079 by brian

Just had Florida tile company 9x9 , what appears to be ceramic tile remove from my house in cape coral fl. dust is everywhere and contractors did not use any containment system. Any worries other than having a bad contractor?

On 2016-03-25 by (mod) - summary of asbestos exposure hazards vs EnviroScare

Thanks for your comments, Dallas.

Your advice to Lindsay to "not panic" is spot on. Panic and fear allow consumers to be victimized by people who will provide expensive services that may not be necessary at all.

But neither we, nor Lindsay can be be sure that there was no significant asbestos dust generated by the demolition Lindsay described: it would be absurd and dangerous for us to pretend we can make a reliable environmental safety inspection based on an e-text.

Lindsay can collect a representative sample of settled dust from a surface - dust that perhaps has been there since the demolition (found for example at horizontal trim over a door or window in the area). For about $60. CDN Lindsay can have a certified asbestos test lab screen the dust for high levels of asbestos. If the sample is representative, that result can put a reasonably confident end to the speculation.

Let's recap the asbestos EnviroScare topic (also see inspectapedia.com/Environment/Enviro_Scare.php about environmental scare cycles)

I *almost* agree with you but not quite. You are right that the most-common and most egregious cases of asbestosis or mesothelioma are reported for workers in industries where they were exposed to high levels of airborne asbestos dust, or long term chronic exposure. A shipyard worker told me that in the 1940's where he worked the air was literally opaque with asbestos dust.

And interestingly, there is little or no report of the same health problems from workers on asbestos-insulated heating pipes in homes.

But besides the chronic exposure in the cases above,

** a single acute exposure to high levels of asbestos dust ** can cause serious and permanent health problems. To wit: some of the first responders to the 9/11 terrorist attack on the world trade center and the subsequent collapse of that building. I have dust collected from nearby surfaces at that event: asbestos, principally from spray-on fire-resistant coatings on the lower floors of the World Trade Center - is by far the dominant particle.

See inspectapedia.com/Environment/9_11_World_Trade_Center_Collapse_Dust_Analysis.php

Your advice to avoid sanding, grinding, sawing asbestos-containing floor tiles is spot-on. Those products are not friable - not easily smushed into dust between a thumb and forefinger. Wearing a HEPA-rated dust mask, using HEPA_rated vacuum cleaners to clean up debris are indeed key steps.

We have occasionally seen high levels of asbestos dust in a residential setting when a contractor used shovels and occasionally power tools to break up and remove old crumbly asbestos-containing floor tiles in an aggressive demolition job without proper dust control.

I would not panic about nor even wear a dust mask to pick up or dispose of a couple of broken pieces of asbestos-containing floor tile.
I would avoid creating a dusty mess.

If a building project is going to demand a dusty aggressive demolition of floor tiles, professional removal and dust containment are in order.

All of that is why the US EPA and other experts recommend leaving asbestos-containing flooring alone - in place. It's easy enough to simply install new flooring over it in most cases.

At our first page of our article series of asbestos hazards: inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Index_Asbestos_Hazards.php

at the page bottom ARTICLE INDEX , readers can find links to a complete explanation of asbestos hazards in buildings. Take special note of these 3 articles

ASBESTOS REMOVAL GUIDE, FLOORING

ASBESTOS REMOVAL, WETTING GUIDELINES

ASBESTOS RISK ASSESSMENT

On 2016-03-25 by Dallas

Watch out: the following is an unidentified readers's OPINION and it is incorrect.

While it is correct that chronic exposure to high levels of airborne asbestos such as experienced by shipyard and other workers has been associated with mesothelioma,

Even a single exposure to airborne asbestos can cause very serious illness IF the exposure level is sufficiently acute. Witness in the U.S. the emergency response workers responding to the 9/11 catastrophe.

Lindsay,

I wouldn't worry at all. I have never heard of Asbestos causing problems unless there has been continuous, ongoing exposure. Many workers in plants that produced asbestos-based products never developed cancer or suffered long term lung damage. Asbestos fears are frequently overblown. Remember, sawing/grinding anything = wear a face mask. Otherwise, usually no need.

On 2016-03-04 by Lindsay - in Canada, so many products where banned in the 1970's

Greetings

About a one or two years ago, two workers replaced the kitchen vinyl tiles in my apartment. The tiles looked like the come from the 80's, but that's all I know. The old tiles where 12"x 12' and rather thin. The had a black backing so they looked like the adhesive type.

The two workers used no power tools (drills, sanders, cutters etc...) or any liquid solvents or other chemical compounds to remove the tile, so no dust was created. They just used simple hand tools like small plaster spatulas and maybe exacto-knives or something similar A scrapper my have also been used.

There was also no sawing. The area was small, about 50 or 60 feet in total area.

It's important to note that I live in Canada, so many products where banned in the 1970's. My hope is, is that the tiles are made in the 80's, or my potential exposure, was minimal. Can you please help me with some info? I'm frightened. I'll send you a picture of the older vinyl tiles.

On 2015-11-28 by (mod) - To protect the confidence of our readers inspectapedia.com does not sell anything

Betty,

To protect the confidence of our readers inspectapedia.com does not sell anything.

In my opinion it would be a better option for you to buy a modern replica of the brick pattern flooring than to find and install an asbesros-containing product that would become a concern for future building occupants and a liability for you.

On 2015-11-28 by Betty j.sullivan

You are showing the vinyl floor that looks like a brick pattern. Can you call me 6157144216. I am needing it for two vintage homes.

On 2015-11-17 by (mod) -

Shelby use the page bottom CONTACT link to find our email. Sorry - to avoid spam it's not visible without following that link.

On 2015-11-16 by Shelby

How can I post a picture of the flooring in my apartment to see if is asbestos? I know our hallways here were all replaced a few years ago and they matched one of the pictures.

On 2015-05-21 by ellen

Someone is looking for the Armstrong Vernay Parquet no wax floor tile and I have 5 boxes unopened that I am selling. If the party would want to contact me, my email is kat717171@yahoo.com thanks

On 2015-05-14 by (mod) - use the Add Image button to show your flooring

Kim our email is at the page bottom CONTACT link. Or use the Comments Box at the bottom of any page - there you can use the "Add Image" button.

I'm not sure that you need to be *very afraid* in any event. Even if sheet flooring contains asbestos, unless someone is sawing, grinding, sanding or otherwise making a dusty mess, it's doubtful that there is substantive airborne asbestos from that source; in fact from that source, undistrubed, asbestos may be below the limits of detection.

On 2015-05-14 by Kim

Is there a place I can email a picture of Armstrong linoleum and it's backing to see if it's one that has asbestos? I went to an elderly neighbors to help them and now am very afraid.. thanks Kim


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