Asbestos floor tiles

[candyflossy]

Received result regarding floor tiles and is positive. I am so upset. Do your floor tiles contain asbestos and how did you deal with it? Please provide me some reassurance.

[PrinceC]

Hi. I don't think you need to panic.

I live in a large 1950s block where all the flats have asbestos containing tiled floors. Mine have carpet over them, but I know various people who have removed them and a number with them in use or painted.

The actual amount of asbestos in our tiles is very, very low. They are safe if left undisturbed and even if broken there is only a slight chance of releasing a small amount of asbestos as you would need to break/grind down the fibres to create dust. There were broken tiles underneath when I changed my kitchen floor and I'm not losing sleep.

To put it in context a local flooring company with experience in our block have regularly had their fitters remove the tiles. You could double check but removal of our tiles is 'unlicensed' removal - basically anyone can remove them as long as they follow the procedure according to the HSE guidance, i.e. protective clothing, mask etc. Perhaps ask a local company.

Hope that helps!

[utopian99]

Low risk asbestos containing material like this can be left, as the poster above said if undisturbed will not release fibers. If you'd rather remove it you can buy suitable suits/masks very cheaply and do it yourself, just remember to double bag it, and check your local council website for tips which accept asbestos containing material.

[fussychica]

Surveyors rarely pick this up even when the possibility is obvious (1950 - 70's property) because they won't look under carpet/flooring. Agree with outher posters re low risk and removal.

[candyflossy]

You are right, fussychica, the surveyor didn't look under the carpet and the report says no asbestos are seen.

[wifeofdoom]

Definitely not the end of the world, we have loads at work usually under several other floors. Left alone they won't cause you any bother. Is overtiling an option?

[candyflossy]

Thanks for your replies. Just received the asbestos report and it says traces of chrysotiles are found, but it didn't give what %. I spoke to someone on the phone and they said they have no figures. Is this an extremely low %?