Posted by Glenn/SohmFlooringConsultants on June 15, 19100 at 04:12:23:
In Reply to: Vinyl Tile And Asbestos posted by T Roche on June 15, 19100 at 02:52:32:
Dear T.
First of all, if the tile was truly vinyl, it is doubtful that it contained any asbestos fibers at all. Vinyl asbestos tile would be an asbestos containing material (ACM)
Secondly, in order for an ACM to release significant amounts of fibers into the air, it has to be in a friable condition (i.e. able to be pulverized by hand pressure).
Thirdly, most states have relaxed their rules regarding removal and disposal of asbestos containing floor tile because it has been demonstrated that removal of small amounts of less than 160 square feet using common hand removal tools poses little threat and releases insignificant amounts of asbestos fibers into the air. Flooring professionals should note, however, that federal removal and disposal rules and regulations ALWAYS supercedes state ones!
And, most importantly, you did not sand, grind, crush, or in any other way put the tile in a friable condition. In fact, you even used water in your removal, and that helps to contain any released fibers and is one of the accepted work practices for removal of asbestos containing flooring products.
My advice to you and your wife is not to drive yourselves crazy over this. You have to have prolonged and repeated contact with significant amounts of asbestos "dust" in order for there to be any kind of health threat to you or your children. Worry about real threats to you and your families well being, such as trips in the family automobile on our roads and superhighways!
For more information about asbestos in the home, click the link below.
Have a nice life and may God bless you...
Glenn