Asbestos tiles
I need some help... I'm pretty sure that the 9x9 tiles in my recently purchased Eichler are composed of Asbestos. But, I need to know for sure.
Does anyone know where I can have this tested? Preferably, in the East Bay.
Thank you
Unless the tiles look like recent tiles custom cut to size (which I doubt), 9 x 9 tiles are highly likely to contain asbestos--as will the mastic which adheres them to the floor. I can't remember the %'s reported previously but think it was about 2-4% in the tile and about 5% in the mastic.
Don't be misled by the %--what really counts is whether the tile is "fryable". That means if it's solid and well adhered, or loose and crumbling. If solid and well adhered, it might be better to leave as is. However, if it is loose/crumbling or you're planning to remove it for alternative flooring, precautions need to be taken. Fryable asbestos exposure is a significant health concern.
Try using the Search button at the top of the Chatterbox Lounge page to find previous postings on the topic of asbestos. There was a lot of discussion in the past and at least person had posted where they had theirs tested, if you're still interested in doing that.
Also, be aware that cities/counties generally have information about asbestos (a hazardous waste item) and regulations about who can remove it and how. As I recall, in San Jose, homeowners could remove up to the equivalent of a 10 x 10 room or so without requiring outside professional help or permit. I dealt with this issue quite a while ago so my memory of numbers might be off and regulations may have changed. Make sure you check with your city for current requirements.
Jake
I forgot to mention that I think realty law requires asbestos to be disclosed in property transactions if the owners are aware. This might vary by county and one of the real estate specialists advertising on this board might jump in and say.
If disclosure is required by law, you might query your real estate agent to follow up on the asbestos query with the other party's real estate agent. (At the very least, the agent should be able to establish if the previous owners replaced the floor or left as is).
Just to be clear, I'm not an expert on any of this--just wanted to share some thought that I hope are helpful.
Cheers.
Jake
