Answer Line FAQs
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I want to put new flooring in one of my rooms, but I think the current floor tile may contain asbestos. What should I do?

Until the 1970s many types of building products and insulation materials used in homes contained asbestos. Sheet vinyl including the backing, vinyl tile, and tile adhesive may contain asbestos. If remodeling, sometimes it is best to cover over the old flooring. In no case should you grind down or sand the floor surfacing or the adhesive residue remaining on the floor.
Reference: American Lung Association
Related Information:
American Lung Association [http://www.lungusa.org/site/c.dvLUK9O0E/b.4061173/apps/s/content.asp?ct=67105]
describes the health hazards of asbestos and how to reduce exposure
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a service of Answer Line, Iowa State University Extension, Ames, Iowa.

For more information, visit http://www.extension.iastate.edu/answerline/, email us at: answer@iastate.edu, or call 1-800-262-3804 (in Iowa) or 1-800-854-1678 (in Minnesota).