Asbestos in Flooring: Floor Tiles, Vinyl Flooring & Black Mastic

Asphalt tiles used asbestos as a filler. These types of tiles saw frequent use between the 1920s and 1960s. Asphalt tiles can contain up to 70% asbestos, depending on the brand and material.

Before the 1980s, asbestos cement flooring was common. It was typically used in high-traffic areas. Asbestos cement can wear down and release harmful asbestos fibers into the air. Manufacturers make laminate flooring from several synthetic materials. It mimics the look of wood or tile. A lamination process fuses the layers of material together.

It’s similar to vinyl flooring in look and use and may contain asbestos. Unlike synthetic vinyl, it uses natural materials. Linoleum is not a vinyl product. But homeowners often confuse it with vinyl flooring.

Some older magnesite flooring might have asbestos in it. Many homes built between the 1960s and 1980s may have magnesite flooring. It is made of a white asbestos material called magnesium oxychloride. The material may not always have dangerous asbestos, but it does contain silica dust.

Thermoplastic flooring is made from a plastic polymer. You can reheat and reshape it. Thermoplastic tiles were common in properties built in the 1930s and later.

Vinyl floor tiles are inexpensive and durable, making them a popular choice for high-wear areas in businesses, schools and hospitals. The addition of asbestos to vinyl floor tiles increased insulation and fire resistance. In many buildings, the adhesive used to apply tiles also contained asbestos.

Vinyl sheet flooring is long-lasting and economical, often resembling carpeting, wood or stone. Asbestos vinyl sheet flooring in the 1970s used the material to provide a cushioned backing. This use of asbestos poses a serious exposure risk when disturbed.