- 1). Attempt to determine the date at which the tiles were installed. Asbestos floors were very popular during the 1960s and continued to be manufactured through the mid 1970s. Warehouses were not completely emptied of these materials until the early 1980s, which means any tiles or sheet flooring installed through this time period may contain asbestos.
- 2). Measure the tiles. Asbestos tiles frequently measure nine inches or 13 inches square, although some sheet flooring may be scored in 12-inch increments. Non-asbestos tiles installed during this time period more likely measured eight or 12 inches.
- 3). Look at the color of the tiles. Dark tiles or black tiles are more likely to contain asbestos than light or white-colored tiles. The tar and pigments that gave dark floors their color was made with asbestos.
- 4). Look at the tile adhesive, if exposed. Black, tar-like adhesive is likely to contain asbestos fibers. Do not attempt to remove a tile to look at the adhesive, only check those areas already missing tiles.
- 5). Look for patterns on the tiles. Simulated wood grain, embossed patterns and plastic-appearing surfaces produced in the 60s or 70s are likely to contain asbestos fibers.
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