Are old floor tiles dangerous if they are not broken?

Is intact asbestos floor tile dangerous?

Not while it stays whole and undisturbed. EPA says “exposure may occur only when the asbestos-containing material is disturbed or damaged in some way to release particles and fibers into the air.” Floor tile that is firmly bonded, unbroken and left alone is not putting fibers in the air. The hazard starts when someone breaks it up.

That does not make old tile harmless. EPA notes that disease symptoms “may take many years to develop following exposure,” so a single careless day of demolition can matter years later. Treat any suspect floor as a “test first” job.

Why can old tile and glue contain asbestos?

Because manufacturers used asbestos in many building products. EPA lists “vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives” among the places asbestos may be found. Missouri DNR adds asphalt and vinyl floor tile, linoleum and flooring mastics to its list of potential asbestos-containing materials.

You cannot tell by looking. Color, size and age are clues at best. A lab test is the only proof. The glossary explains asbestos-containing material and the black glue called mastic. Our asbestos floor tile page shows what to expect.

What turns safe-looking tile into a hazard?

Work that sands, grinds, cuts, abrades or breaks it. Missouri DNR describes floor tile as “Category I nonfriable” material. That means it does not crumble by hand while it is intact. See non-friable asbestos. But DNR also says such material can become regulated if it is “subject to sanding, grinding, cutting, burning, or abrading.”

DNR also says that any asbestos-containing vapor barrier on resilient floor coverings, such as sheet vinyl or tile, is considered friable asbestos. Friable means it can crumble by hand pressure. That is why a backing layer needs more care than the tile face.

Should you test before a remodel?

Yes. If you plan to pull up, sand, level or grind a floor, test first. In Missouri, a certified asbestos inspector collects samples and sends them to a lab. Our asbestos testing and asbestos survey pages explain the steps. The result tells you whether the tile, the glue or both contain asbestos.

Do this before you hire a flooring crew. Many flooring jobs start with grinding or scraping, which is exactly what you do not want near a positive result.

What are your options if the tile tests positive?

You have three. Leave it alone, cover it, or have it removed by a pro. Each fits a different situation.

1. Leave it. If it is intact and you will not disturb it, no action is an option.
2. Cover or seal it. Encapsulation coats or covers the material so fibers stay in place. See our asbestos encapsulation page.
3. Remove it. If your project will disturb the floor, remove the tile and glue first. See asbestos tile removal and floor adhesive removal.

For a demolition, Missouri DNR “generally recommends removal prior to demolition” of floor tile and linoleum, because they “could easily be rendered into regulated asbestos-containing material” during the work. Leaving them in can also raise disposal volume and cost.

Can you remove it yourself?

We do not recommend it, and we will not give removal steps here. Scraping, breaking and bagging tile is the activity that releases fibers. Regulated projects in Missouri require a registered abatement contractor and certified workers. Our guide to Missouri demolition and renovation asbestos rules lists when that applies. Check with Missouri DNR for what applies to your home.

What about the black glue under the tile?

The glue can contain asbestos too. EPA lists adhesives among the places asbestos may be found, and DNR lists flooring mastics. Pulling up tile often leaves mastic behind on the slab. Scraping or grinding that residue is a common way a remodel disturbs asbestos. Test the glue as well as the tile, and plan its removal with the tile. Our page on floor adhesive removal covers the work.

What if you only find out during a job?

Stop work and test. If a contractor lifts tile and you then suspect asbestos, ask the crew to stop and keep people out of the room. A certified inspector can sample the material and tell you what you have. This is also why testing before a project is cheaper than testing in the middle of one. See the dangers of asbestos for health background.

Next step

Advanced Environmental Services handles asbestos floor tile testing, removal and adhesive work in St. Louis, St. Charles and Columbia, Missouri. Call (314) 865-2662 or use the quote form at /contact before you disturb an old floor.