By Michael Throneberry, founder of Throneberry Law Group
Asbestos floor tiles were widely used throughout the 20th century because they were affordable, durable, and heat- and wear-resistant. That is why you will still find them in many older homes, schools, offices, and commercial buildings today. The problem is, while these tiles might look harmless when they are in good shape, damage, aging, or improper removal can release dangerous asbestos fibers into the air.Ā
At Throneberry Law Group, we work with people diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses. If you think your health problems may be linked to asbestos in floor tiles, our team can help identify where you may have been exposed and determine whether you have a legal claim. We have seen floor-tile exposure reach people who never worked in construction, from remodelers to family members at home.
How Asbestos Was Used in Floor Tiles
Manufacturers mixed asbestos into floor tiles to make them stronger and longer-lasting. Products like vinyl asbestos tiles and asphalt asbestos tiles were standard in homes and businesses. You will often find them in nine-inch, 12-inch, and 18-inch squares. If the floors in your building were installed before the 1980s, there is a high chance they contain asbestos, although some manufacturers kept using asbestos even after the dangers of asbestos became widely known.Ā
An important thing to note is that because asbestos was mixed into the tile material, identifying asbestos floor tiles is not possible solely by looking at the color, pattern, or appearance of the flooring.
When Do Asbestos Floor Tiles Become Hazardous?
As long as asbestos tiles are not disturbed, they usually do not release dangerous fibers. But once they become cracked, worn, broken, or damaged during renovation projects, that is when the risk increases.
Some activities that can disturb asbestos fibers include:
- Removing old tiles: pulling up flooring during demolition or renovation
- Cutting or trimming: sizing tiles during repairs
- Sanding or grinding: smoothing floors or their backing
- Scraping adhesives: removing the glue that held tiles down
Fibers released during these projects can get into the air, which means anyone nearby might breathe them in. Over time, that exposure can lead to serious diseases like malignant mesothelioma.
Who Is at Risk?
Many people have come into contact with asbestos floor tiles, especially on the job. Flooring installers, construction crews, maintenance workers, and remodelers were often exposed directly.Ā
But you do not have to work in construction to be at risk. Spending time in buildings with damaged floor tiles can be enough.
How Can You Tell if Your Floor Tiles Contain Asbestos?
The truth is, you cannot be sure just by looking. Professional testing is the only way to know for certain if your floor tiles have asbestos.Ā
If you spot older square tiles, especially nine-inch ones, they might be made with asbestos, but you will not know for sure unless they are tested. If you are planning to renovate an old property, itās safest not to disturb any suspicious tiles until you have had them properly tested.
Your Legal Rights After Asbestos Exposure
If you are facing a mesothelioma diagnosis that you believe stemmed from exposure to asbestos tiles, you have legal options for compensation. Companies that made or supplied asbestos products can be held responsible if their materials contributed to your exposure. Depending on your circumstances, you might be eligible for compensation through a lawsuit, asbestos trust fund, or other legal channels.
If you think tiles in a home or building contain asbestos, the safe move is to leave them alone and bring in a licensed inspector rather than pulling them up yourself. For people already diagnosed, the more useful step is to think back on where you spent time around old flooring, at work or at home, since that history is what ties a diagnosis to a responsible product. We can help you sort through it.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers at Throneberry Law Group
Old vinyl and asphalt floor tiles can hide asbestos, and cutting or ripping them out can release it. If that kind of work led to mesothelioma, you have legal options worth exploring.
Our firm handles asbestos cases nationwide and gives each client one-on-one attention, in English or Spanish. The work matters personally to founder Michael Throneberry. Find out where you stand through our free case review form.
