We're looking to remodel our basement. We have 9x9 asbestos tile down there. What is the bet way to install a new floor? We want to cover the tile, and also perhaps better seal our basement floor against moisture & seepage. Any ideas?

I'm gutting an old Victorian house and am pretty sure the radiator piles are wrapped in asbestos, but I've found some white insulation in places. What about horse hair plaster? Plaese help me identify this stuff so i can take the necessary precautions.

My grandfather got diagnosed with lung cancer. Well then he might have asbestos too. How do they treat that? Is it treatable?

If you watch the news, you may have heard discussion and concern about asbestos toxins and how asbestos exposure is linked to various forms of cancer, more specifically Mesothelioma. Many people have filed lawsuits over their exposure to asbestos toxins as a result of suffering ill health and complications resulting from their exposure; however, no amount of compensation can replace their quality of life or prevent significant emotional duress.

If you have an older home or even one that was built in the 1980's, it is a good idea to have the floors tested for the presence of asbestos before you begin pulling up tile in your kitchen or bathrooms. What most people do not realize is that asbestos may be harmful even if not disturbed.

It is vital that you have your home tested for asbestos as soon as possible if you plan on remodeling because removing asbestos is difficult and dangerous process.

Should I Really Cover the Tiles?

If you want to upgrade or remodel your home and the tiles on your floor test positive for asbestos and they are tightly installed, the most efficient way to continue with your remodel may be to simply cover the tiles. Why? As soon as you begin pulling up tiles that contain asbestos, you are putting yourself and family at risk of toxic exposure. To remove and replace the tiles, you should consult a professional.

If you have a 1950's home with a basement that has tile or vinyl flooring that tests positive for asbestos, but is in good shape, you may be able to cover the tile with carpeting. If the tile has not been disturbed since it was installed, there may not be a reason to disturb it.

It is Possible to Pull up the Tile Though, Right?

You can have a professional that is licensed to work with asbestos remove the tile, but it may be expensive because of the precautions that must be taken and the extensive labor involved. Many professionals who can do the job will advise you to cover the floor rather than pull it up. The risk of removing a floor with asbestos is that you can expose your home to a toxin that can harm you and your family. If the tile is peeled up and in bad condition, there may be no choice but to remove the tile, but a professional that is licensed in asbestos removal can advise you on all of your options.

Final Thoughts

Some people have a tendency to assume that if their tile tests positive for containing asbestos, then it must be removed at once. More research, however, is finding that leaving the asbestos-containing material alone and not disturbing it is sometimes safer than the possible health risks of exposing your family to the toxins released by trying to remove it. Again, if the tiles are packed tightly then the asbestos is contained and you are not at risk for exposure. Asbestos is in its most harmful state when being moved and exposed to the air.

I think that I might have inadvertently exposed myself to asbestos. What happened is that I was going to put in some ceiling hooks which required drilling a small hole in the ceiling. In order to make sure that I wasn't getting close to any electrical wiring I proceeded to look up into the unfinished attic. Upon lifting the small cover that allows access to the space, I discovered a mid to dark gray fluffy insulation that was underneath the blown in fiberglass insulation. At this point, I backed away and did not proceed to crawl around in the attic, however, this stuff (it MIGHT be rockwool, not for sure though) was all around thecover so I know that I definitely stirred it up. If it helps, my apartment was built between 1968 through 1974. I've told some people about this and they tell me that they highly doubt that loose fill asbestos was used. What do you guys think or know?

Could this be true. i was opening a old 70's reel to reel mic and the mini cord inside had insalation that turned into dust. Could it be asbestos? Will I die?
it was yellow

Usually in basements or attics, you can find the pink insulating material. Is it pink fiberglass? And is that the same as asbestos?

my house was built towards the end of 1984. is there a chance that there might be asbestos in the acoustic (popcorn) ceiling?

The connection between asbestos and respiratory diseases is known but is there a connection to other diseases? My dad worked in a shipyard for forty years. His company violated OSHA guidelines for decades. Daddy developed asbestosis and emphysema. Wives of shipyard workers have above average rates of cancer. Mom had cervical cancer and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Is there a connection?

I live in an apartment that came with a very old air conditioner. When I opened the front panel I discovered that there is a blackish gray brittle material used as installation around the inside edge. I don't know how old it is, but it reminds me of asbestos. I don't know what asbestos looks like exactly, so I was wondering if anyone knows if this is what it is or if it is just some other harmless material. I don't trust the apartment manager to have followed the proper safety regulations and removed asbestos from the property. Give me a shout if you know the answer.