Is it safe to remove asbestos flooring tiles yourself? How dangerous is it?

We have discovered asbestos tile under the carpet and want to put in hardwood floors.

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.

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.

well it depends..... do you have enough experience at this if not or not sure just ask someone to help you.

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

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.

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.

Do NOT do this yourself. Better to just bury it under the hardwood, after applying a sealant.

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.

very dangerous

VERY, VERY! Abestostitis is incurable

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.

Don't touch it and call a haz mat Co. to take it out.

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.

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.

EXTREMELY dangerous. Please do not try to do it yourself.

Only if you have a full protective suit. Don't do it. A few buck will go along way in your health.

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

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!

very dangerous. you need a rebreather and protective clothing. I wouldnt risk cancer over it.

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

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.

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.