Is it safe to remove asbestos flooring tiles yourself? How dangerous is it?
By admin on Dec 12, 2009 in Decorating & Remodeling
♥monamarie♥ asked:
We have discovered asbestos tile under the carpet and want to put in hardwood floors.
We have discovered asbestos tile under the carpet and want to put in hardwood floors.
On Dec 15, 2009, shakir5582 said:
very dangerous. you need a rebreather and protective clothing. I wouldnt risk cancer over it.
On Dec 17, 2009, Spadesboffin said:
Get professionals as even small amounts of inhaled dust can be fatal and cause terminal lung cancer. Your life is worth more than the cash it costs to get proper people in. Also the dust can spread to other areas of your home – do not chance it with not only your life but that of others too.
On Dec 17, 2009, tennismail4 said:
Only if you have a full protective suit. Don’t do it. A few buck will go along way in your health.
On Dec 19, 2009, wyanehaltcher said:
well it depends….. do you have enough experience at this if not or not sure just ask someone to help you.
On Dec 23, 2009, 4kids4dogs said:
asbestos causes lung cancer
my father-in-law died recently because he used to work with the stuff before they knew how bad it was to breathe in
On Dec 26, 2009, Purpslinger said:
Very dangerous, that craps not good at all thats why its been banned from building…..I personally would hire someone, you won’t like the price but its better then taking a chance on you and your families health
On Dec 26, 2009, faded said:
Don’t touch it, as long as it is untouched, it isn’t dangerous, but once it gets into the air, it destroys your lungs. My grandpa took some out a while ago and never had lung problems before and he smoked for 20 years. After he touched the asbestos, he has ashtma and some really nasty disease. Stay away from it.
On Dec 28, 2009, Kim said:
EXTREMELY dangerous. Please do not try to do it yourself.
On Dec 29, 2009, Mr.TickedOff said:
I would NOT do it… friend thought he could remove it from a house and when he started a BUNCH came down and filled the entire room with dust… he is now scared to death from it (breathed in a bunch) and REFUSES to even go back in the place to work on it – put it back up for sale.
On Dec 31, 2009, Skipper1974 said:
if you want to breath it in…You need to have speacial training…The fibers or the dust kicked up from the tiles get inside your lungs….
that microscopic dust will get in your lungs….When it does it will slowly rip them to shredds and cause Asbestosis…CANCER caused by Asbestos….you will eventually drown in your own blood…you would go 20 or 25 years before finding out…once it gets in your lungs…there is no way to get it out!
Have it professionally done! A paper mask won’t do the trick!
On Jan 3, 2010, kristy said:
you’ll be fine with a simple hepifilter mask. you do not need to be terrified of death. it is not necessary to spend so much money when you can do it yourself. it is not that dangerous. just try not to break the tiles. even if you do break some tiles, the mask will completely protect you. trust me, it is not fatal–if it was, my fiancee wouldnt be around. he’s had lots of experience in this area.
On Jan 4, 2010, catnap said:
Don’t touch it and call a haz mat Co. to take it out.
On Jan 5, 2010, Philip W said:
You can do it, but you must be careful. The trick is to not make the asbestos airborne, so do not break up the tile. As long as it stays imbedded you are fine, however I would still take the precaution of wearing a good quality mask.
I am not a professional, so do not take this opinion as such…I was given the same advise and had seen some pamphlets to the same effect.
On Jan 6, 2010, Deb said:
Do NOT do this yourself. Better to just bury it under the hardwood, after applying a sealant.
On Jan 6, 2010, byderule said:
very dangerous
On Jan 7, 2010, MyOtherNewName said:
I removed it for 15 years before they said it was bad, I always used a regular mask with filters bought at homeDepot. I’m still kicking with no problems. The tile isnt like other products that contain asbestos. Not as much dust, Keep the house doors open and get it up. Before the guys in white suits, we used to smoke this stuff I thnk. lol
On Jan 9, 2010, Sowhat said:
VERY, VERY! Abestostitis is incurable
On Jan 12, 2010, Goblin g said:
Please, please, please – DO NOT removed the asbestos yourself. You will need to have professionals come in, who will be wearing protective suits. Yourself and your Family and your Pets must vacate the house while this is being done.
Asbestos is VERY DANGEROUS. Please don’t put Yourself in harm’s way.
Have a lovely rest of the night. By the way, I too have hardwood floors – they’re beautiful – enjoy them.
On Jan 12, 2010, Queevil said:
Give spadesboffin 10 points for the best answer. It’s very dangerous. Even if you removed it safely you still have to dispose of it safely per EPA regulations. THIS STUFF KILLED MY GRANDFATHER AND HIS BROTHER. THEY BOTH DIED HORRIBLE DEATHS. There are companies who do professional asbestos abatement.
On Jan 14, 2010, lefftylucy said:
my son does that for a living and he is dressed in a suit and mask and other precautions. don’t remove it yourself, you could also allow those fibers in the air doing it yourself.once that stuff is in your lungs you can’t get rid of it. it is like inhaleing glass fibers.
On Jan 17, 2010, sglmom said:
Get professional help and be out of there while the asbestos is being removed — because this stuff does cause lung damage and leads to serious lung diseases, including cancer.
On Jan 20, 2010, stephen s said:
Exposure to asbestos over time can be harmful. Truth is, this is not really a DIY project. If you can afford it, get a professional to come and do it for you. It’s not an easy task to remover the tiles and if you have kids running around the house, dont subject them to the dust. Like I said, It wont kill you immediately, it is not like breathing cyanide, but why risk it if there are companies that specialize it it.