Asbestos floor tiles were a popular choice due to their hard-wearing nature and cheap price, and were commonly used in many high occupancy areas such as schools, shopping centre, pubs etc. 

In many domestic properties which were built before the 1980s, you’ll often find asbestos floor tiles beneath modern floor coverings. 

If left undisturbed and in good condition, asbestos floor tiles do not pose a risk as asbestos fibres are bonded tightly within the tiles. However, if floor tiles become damaged due to maintenance or deteriorate over time, there’s a risk that the asbestos fibres will be released which, if inhaled over a long period of time, can cause serious illnesses such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. 

It’s important that you do not cut, sand, or disturb asbestos floor tiles as this can result in the release of asbestos fibres. 

Any person who has damaged asbestos floor tiles within their home or workplace, can be at risk of exposure. There are also many trades who work with the materials who could become exposed, such as:

• Carpenters and joiners 
• Construction workers
• Floor installers
• Maintenance workers 
• Plumbers and heating engineers 
• Painters and decorators 

If you’re planning any works which may disturb asbestos floor tiles, then it may be time to think about removing them. We always recommend that you do not undertake asbestos removal yourselves as this could cause you more harm in the future.