Vinyl Floor Tiles

Up until the 1970s, when the dangerous effects of asbestos came to light, it was typical for houses, as well as commercial and industrial buildings, to be built with vinyl floor tiles that had been made from asbestos. It was not uncommon for tile adhesives to include asbestos fibers too.

Asbestos was commonly used in floor tiles because it was cheap and its ability to withstand high temperatures makes it a perfect insulator.

For workers exposure to the asbestos fibers in the tiles may have occurred during the installation of new floors if the pieces needed to be cut or sanded to conform to a certain shape. Fibers may also be released into the air during renovation or demolition. However, homeowners may also face the risk of asbestos exposure when the tiles become damaged or broken.

Exposure to asbestos is extremely dangerous as it can lead to the development of mesothelioma, a lethal form of cancer found in the lungs, abdomen, or chest cavity.

There are no early signs of mesothelioma. Symptoms usually do not appear until 30 to 40 years after exposure. But the following signs to look out for are:

• Difficulty in swallowing
• Persistent dry cough
• Weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• Continuous pain in the chest area or lungs

If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos as a result of handling or being involved with Vinyl Floor Tiles, and if you think such exposure may have caused you or your loved one to become ill with mesothelioma or any other form of asbestos related disease, please contact the lawyers at Clapper, Patti Schweizer & Mason for more information.