Get Rid Of The Asbestos Vinyl TileAsbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in a variety of industrial applications. The strong and sturdy nature of this element along with its resilience to heat and chemicals makes it apt for use in various things including the asbestos vinyl tile. Till the late 1970s asbestos was used extensively in everything, be it pipes, insulation, siding or flooring, and even tiles. Asbestos tiles were used in most residential areas in the earlier days. The prime reason for his being that asbestos is virtually indestructible. Asbestos is resistant to both heat and chemicals and thus using it, as a material for flooring seemed quite appropriate. To further substantiate the use of asbestos in floor is that it does not conduct electricity. It was much later that the ill effects of using asbestos tiles were discovered. The asbestos present in these tiles has microscopic fibers that release into air even if the tiles are slightly damaged, worn out or disturbed. Inhaling these fibers can lead to serious health problems. The asbestos present in these tiles can result in asbestosis, which is a rare chronic lung ailment. A person suffering from asbestosis suffers from shortness of breath and permanent lung damage. Other than asbestosis asbestos could even lead to several cancers including those of the lung, larynx and gastrointestinal tract. Owing to the life threatening consequences of asbestos present in asbestos tiles, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned asbestos in 1989. Today, the only business dealing with asbestos is that of removing it. There are several companies that specialize in removal of asbestos safely from both commercial and residential buildings. As per the specifications laid down by EPA homeowners must hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor if they want to get these asbestos vinyl tiles removed. Removal of these tiles can be quite a tedious and risky process and thus it is best to have an expert do the same. You can look up to the online listing of these specialized contractors, which is maintained by EPA. Alternatively you can even look through the local directory. Hiring a contractor could mean a lot of money. You could be spending as much as several thousand dollars. Owing to the high costs there are many homeowners who choose to do it themselves. Any homeowner who is attempting to remove asbestos vinyl tiles by himself should possess the necessary equipment. Once these asbestos vinyl tiles are removed, make sure you replace them with some greener choices Bamboo, cork, linoleum, and sustainable harvested or reclaimed wood are some great alternatives for the asbestos vinyl tile. You can find all these products at various stores or even look for them online. |