Concerns over Asbestos in Floor Tiles

Over the last several months a number of schools across Texas have suffered water damage due to a series of torrential downpours that have blanketed the state. A junior high school in Palestine made this list and suffered at least $100,000 in water damage according to a news report from KLTV.

The school not only suffered the type of water damage many people think of when historic amounts of rain damage a building, but it was also impacted by concerns over asbestos-containing floor tiles. According to the report, a few days after the water was removed, the tiles began to come off the floor and could break apart as people stepped on them. Old floor tiles often become brittle and friable with age and when damaged or disturbed. These tiles could then become a hazard for students and faculty if they release asbestos fibers into the air. As a result, the school was temporarily closed for asbestos abatement work and the students were moved to accommodations at the high school.

The school was built in the 1960s when some types of flooring materials commonly contained asbestos. In fact, sheet vinyl, vinyl or asphalt floor tiles and associated paper-like backing, mastic, adhesive or glue in buildings of that age may contain asbestos.

“Exposure to asbestos can result in lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma over time,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “There is no safe level of exposure so identifying products that contain asbestos is important. All suspect materials in properties that have been damaged or are undergoing demolition, repair or renovation activities should be tested.”  

For over three decades, EMSL Analytical has been the leading provider of testing services to help identify materials and environmental samples that contain asbestos. To learn more about EMSL’s asbestos or other hazardous material and indoor air quality testing services, please visit www.AsbestosTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail