What to do if you’ve Accidentally Removed Asbestos Tiles
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs as bundles of fibers. These fibers are strong and heat resistant, making them useful in various applications. However, exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer.
Asbestos fibers are often found in tiles, particularly older tiles. The fibers can become airborne and inhaled, leading to health problems. While some newer tiles do not contain asbestos, it is still essential to have any tiles tested, especially if you have accidentally removed asbestos tiles.
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How to Remove Asbestos Tiles
Here are some ways to remove asbestos tiles from your home.
Test the tile
If you think you may have asbestos tiles in your home, you can use a home test kit to help determine if you really have asbestos. Asbestos tiles can be found in many older homes and can be dangerous if it is not adequately taken care of.
Most asbestos test kits will come with instructions on how to use them. Generally, you will need to collect a sample of the material you suspect contains asbestos and send it to a laboratory for testing.
Remove the affected tiles
If a tile is asbestos-affected, it is vital to remove the tile and any surrounding asbestos-affected material as soon as possible. The tile should be removed using a damp cloth or sponge to avoid dust. Once the tile is removed, the area should be cleaned with a HEPA vacuum and wet mop.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and subjection can cause serious health problems. Therefore, it is crucial to remove any asbestos-affected material as soon as possible to protect yourself and others from exposure.
Talk to a professional
Asbestos is a dangerous compound that can cause consequential health problems if not handled properly. A professional will have the training and experience necessary to remove asbestos tiles safely.
When asbestos is disturbed, tiny fibers are released into the air. These fibers are so tiny that they can be inhaled and become trapped in the lungs, where they can cause serious health problems. Asbestos is the only known origin of mesothelioma, a cancer of the thin lining that surrounds the lungs.
If you are a DIY wizard, you can opt to carry out this procedure on your own. However, it is not worth the risk. You should always call on a professional because they know how to protect themselves from exposure.
Risks if you’ve Accidentally Removed Asbestos Tiles
As stated, Asbestos tiles may contain asbestos fibers which can be harmful if inhaled. If the tiles are removed without taking proper precautions, the asbestos fibers may be released into the air and inhaled by people nearby. This could lead to health problems such as lung cancer.
In addition to the health risks posed by inhaling asbestos fibers, removing asbestos tiles without taking proper precautions could also release asbestos dust into the environment. This dust could contaminate soil and water and potentially cause health problems for people who come into contact with it.
What to do if asbestos tiles are accidentally removed
When you accidentally break the asbestos tiles, taking out a few broken pieces may not necessarily be a health hazard. However, if you do so, wear a face mask so as not to inhale toxic air.
It is best to cover up the affected area if you prefer to call on the professionals and have the air tested for any asbestos property. Covering will prevent the section from being contaminated.
What to do if asbestos tiles are accidentally removed in the UK
The use of asbestos in UK buildings has been banned since 1999. However, asbestos can still be found in buildings that were constructed before then. If you live in the UK and need to test if your tiles have asbestos, this is the best product for you with the fastest delivery and turnaround in results.
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What to do if I’ve Accidentally Removed Asbestos Linoleum
There is a solution to remove the tiles that are loose if you’ve accidentally removed asbestos linoleum. Apply the perfect-membrane system onto your floor and enclose the tiles permanently. This can be done by hand and on your own.
Here is how to cover up the asbestos tiles
Carpeting – this will do a great job in covering up the affected region. However, please avoid using a fiber pad to cover it up. Instead, use a rubber-based carpet pad.
Tile directly above the asbestos tile – if you prefer this option, ceramic tiles are excellent for masking a problematic tile. When you get around to picking the tiles, select floor-related ceramic tiles, it may also be best to select those which are thin enough not to cause any trouble.
Final thoughts
To highlight important aspects of this post, if you have a broken asbestos tile, the best option is to contact asbestos abetment professionals. They will deal with it carefully and eradicate any traces of asbestos in your home. Also, it is always essential to have the air tested to be on the safe side. Finally, please do not attempt to repair the tiles yourself. It may be a costly mistake.
