What is the Level of Hazard of Asphalt Asbestos or Vinyl Asbestos Floor Tiles?
Here is what the University of Minnesota has to say about the hazards of this type of asbestos-containing floor tiles: Flooring that contains asbestos, when intact and in good condition, is generally considered nonfriable and is not hazardous. Heat, water, weathering or aging can weaken flooring to the point where it is considered friable. Friable flooring includes any material containing more than 1 percent asbestos that can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder with hand pressure. This includes previously nonfriable flooring material which has been damaged to the extent that it may be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure. Flooring can also be made friable during its removal. Friable materials can release asbestos fibers into the air. Once in the air, asbestos fibers present a health hazard to people who inhale those fibers.
