Consumption and Real Estate
Asbestos Flooring Adhesive?
Question : Asbestos Flooring Adhesive?
I’m helping a friend with some work on a new condo she just bought. It was built in 1979, and the existing flooring is parquet that we’ve started to remove. We are assuming it was the original flooring because it is consistent with other units in the same complex.
I am a contractor by profession, and I should have thought about this earlier, but what are the chances the adhesive used contains asbestos? It is grayish green in color. It is still firm. It does not appear to have broken down at all. A home inspection was conducted prior to the purchase, and it wasn’t noted. Also, since this flooring seems to be consistent amongst the original units, if there was a hazardous material issue, I’m sure the condo association would have notified tenants and included that information in the condo documents.
Obviously, there is no way to confirm with any degree of certainty without testing, and at this point, it’s a little late, but does anyone feel there should be a concern?
Thanks.
asbestos inspection
Best answer:
Answer by ben s
I dont think they used asbestos in the adhesive, only the tiles were made with asbestos. but I guess it is a bit late now. why not wet it down as you scrape it off.
Contrary to info in other posts, some flooring adhesives did contain asbestos. Asbestos was used in a wide variety of household products until it became clear that the tiny fibers are dangerous when inhaled in high concentrations. Asbestos fibers remain in the body and as they accumulate, various diseases may result. Asbestos fibers do not pose a health risk until they get airborne. Once airborne, however, there is no level of exposure that’s considered safe. Here’s a general guide to what you should know about asbestos:
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,202235,00.html?xid=yahoo-answers&partner=yes
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, many asbestos-containing building materials were readily available in the 70s. Unfortunately, you can’t tell whether a material contains asbestos unless you have samples tested in a certified lab. The fact that a home inspection didn’t address the adhesive isn’t surprising–how would they know without removing flooring and testing the adhesive? And I wouldn’t rely on the condo association to notify tenants. They may not know, or they may not want to alarm people because the adhesive wouldn’t be a health hazard unless disturbed.
So I guess you’d have to consider that asbestos adhesive is a possibility. What you do next is a judgement call. Testing would be the safest approach. If testing reveals no asbestos, you’re good to go. If it reveals asbestos, your state regulations come into play. Some states require removal of asbestos-containing materials by certified asbestos mitigation contractors. Some don’t.
For further info, a link to a helpful EPA publicaiton is below.