To worry about these floor tiles (asbestos) ?

[Feminine]

We live in a HA property. We moved in in October last yr. Since moving here, there have been countless problems and most are now being sorted.

however yesterday I was now given massive cause for concern.

I had a builder here yesterday, he is going to get things fixed decorative wise. On looking down he noticed our ancient floor tiles (fake wood type) that look to be from the 70's/80's. Apparently many of these tiles can contain asbestos! I had a look of on my face, he mentioned that I shouldn't worry , if they haven't been broken.

but they have in a few places...the damp was so bad it started to raise them from the floor , my DD kept tripping and I had to remove the offending squares!

I have contacted the HA , next week they are going to send 'outside' specialists to check! I am horrified they didn't think to check them before we moved in. I thought a HA would have this covered?

Since I called them yesterday, I've never had them move SO fast. That has got me even more worried.

any ideas please?

It's good that the HA are looking into it but I agree with the builder that you don't need to be overly concerned. its only certain colors of asbestos that are a problem (can't remember which sorry) and even then only if it is broken down Into dust and inhaled.

Thanks three . Guess I'll know soon enough :)

We have 1960s black floor tiles in our dining room, which are original. Apart from being a total b'stard to keep clean (a matt black floor, you say, what a great idea with pets and little ones), they have asbestos in. A chum of mine who works in asbestos disposal informed me that there's no need to worry about them because asbestos is only dangerous if it's inhaled. In order for your floor tiles to be toxic, you would have to grind them up and snort them.

I didn't grind them, so that is good! I had to snap them off in places (where dd kept tripping)

I'm still a bit surprised the HA didn't think to check them before we moved in. It seems health and safety is not always alive and well.

Thanks flat

loling at grinding up and snorting floor tiles!

I have some floor tiles here, I don't have any idea if they have asbestos in them or not (but they're of an age where it's possiblelikely) - unfortunately I own the place, so no HA to sort it out for me :(

I could afford to get the testing done, at a push, but couldn't afford to have them removed professionally if they are, so I think I'm going to have to either cover them or don a mask & do it myself. The ones at the edge come up easily, but I just know the ones in the middle are going to be a complete bastard!

At least they're getting onto it quickly for you and will remove them, at no cost to you, if they are :)

Affected Floor tiles will likely have about 2% asbestos in. Broken isn't really a problem, drilling is less good, but they are still probably the lowest risk of any. decides not to mention all the possible things that may contain asbestos in a home

Well thanks all. Looks like good news then I suppose.

I'm going to be laying flooring soon, so that will take care of it some.

chipping its going to be one hell of a job for them. The old glue is like treacle! that is if they remove it at all

The HA should have an asbestos survey of their houses and a resultant asbestos management plan. If you are planning to have any work done your subbies should be able to see where the asbbestos is.

If they are not damaged not a real problem.

If you are at all worried then dampen the tiles regularly until they are removed.
Just a light spray of water or a quick run over with the mop a couple of times a day will keep any fibres released at bay.

Its only likely to be dangerous if fibres are released and then ingested. If the damage happened ages ago its likely there are no loose fibres anymore anyway.

homeless they have an asbestos survey for this place , done in September. It omits the tiles! They are a bit damaged from where I had to hack at them to make them safer what a joke

Thanks for your help. :)