Why are other occupations at risk of asbestos exposure exist?
Why are homeowners at risk for asbestos exposure?
What are the risks of asbestos in Kentile floors?
What is Kentile Floors known for?
When did Kentile Floors reorganize?
When did Metex file for bankruptcy?
When did Kentile Floors file for bankruptcy?
See 2 more
Does floor tile contain asbestos?
Does flooring contain asbestos? Flooring, including sheet vinyl, floor tiles and any associated paper-like backing, adhesive or glue, can contain asbestos. Asbestos was added during the production of flooring to strengthen the flooring and to increase its durability.
What year did vinyl flooring has asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral that was commonly used to manufacture vinyl flooring from about 1950 until 1980.
How can I tell if my vinyl flooring has asbestos?
How to Identify Asbestos in FlooringYour home was built before 1980.The flooring looks oily, greasy, or discolored.You have 9-inch, 12-inch, or 18-inch floor tiles.The flooring adhesive is black.
When did kentile stop using asbestos?
In 1898, Arthur Kennedy founded Kentile Floors. The company produced popular asphalt and vinyl tiling. However, the company used asbestos in its tiles until 1986.
How do I test my floor for asbestos?
The definitive way to find out if tiles contain asbestos is to have them tested. You can either engage an asbestos remediation expert or obtain a test kit—for which you'll remove a flooring sample to mail to an asbestos-testing lab.
What color is asbestos adhesive?
Asbestos was a common ingredient in plastic cements and sealants for rooftops. Over time, weathering exposes the white asbestos fibers in asbestos-containing sealant, causing it to turn from black to grey.
What type of flooring has asbestos?
Asbestos floor tiles came in two main varieties: vinyl tiles and asphalt tiles. The mineral was incorporated for strength, heat resistance and durability. Vinyl and asphalt asbestos tiles could contain up to 70% asbestos by weight. Other types of flooring may also contain asbestos.
How do I know if its asbestos?
Asbestosis signs and symptoms may include:Shortness of breath.A persistent, dry cough.Chest tightness or pain.Dry and crackling sounds in your lungs when you inhale.Fingertips and toes that appear wider and rounder than usual (clubbing)
Does old sheet vinyl have asbestos?
In the vinyl plank and tiles floors industry, many firms used asbestos in making their things. Up until the 1980s, it was helpful as a fireproof material for floors and pipes. So, that's why the sheet floors had the label of the asbestos sheet.
Can I tile over asbestos tiles?
According to The Tile Doctor's website, asbestos tile cannot be removed by anyone who is not a professional. However, covering it with ceramic tile is legal. Installing ceramic tile over asbestos is possible with the proper preparation. Preparing the area is necessary to ensure the new floor covering bonds well.
What do I do if I find asbestos tile?
As long as the tiles are not disturbed in any way—removed, sanded, cut—there is little need for concern. Only by disturbing the tiles will the asbestos fibers be released into the air. If at all possible, leave the tiles intact and avoid removing them.
Does old grout contain asbestos?
[49] advises that Although the tile themselves are unlikely to contain asbestos, the grout and bedding may well contain asbestos and the demolition of the tile will likely create an exposure hazard when the grout and/or bedding are disturbed.
Does old vinyl sheet flooring contain asbestos?
Not all sheet vinyl flooring has asbestos backing. To know for sure, submit a flooring sample for laboratory analysis. Cost for such testing is minimal, typically $25 per sample. Laboratories are listed in the yellow pages of your phone book under “Asbestos — Consulting and Testing.”
What does asbestos look like under linoleum?
If the flooring has what looks like burlap - a jute backing - on its reverse it's probably very old and not an asbestos-containing product. If it has a smooth, non-fabric backing it may contain asbestos and should be treated as PACM - presumed asbestos containing material.
Does old linoleum flooring contain asbestos?
Old linoleum is a major source of asbestos. Ripping it up can release untold numbers of microscopic pieces of friable asbestos into the air. Removing it requires very special attention.
When was asbestos flooring banned?
July 12, 1989On July 12, 1989, EPA issued a final rule banning most asbestos-containing products.
Unwittingly removed asbestos floor tiles. What's the deal? - Houzz
Can someone please explain something to me? What is the deal with asbestos? Really. I recently removed a small, 17-square ft. area of old 9X9 1960Âs VATÂs (vinyl-asbestos tiles) and didnÂt realize it until two weeks later. I used a little bit of adhesive remover and a heat gun and scraped them up. ...
Flooring That Can Be Installed Over Asbestos Tile - Greatmats
Another vinyl flooring option that looks like wood is the PlankFlex Floor Tile. Three faux wood stain colors are available. Each plank measures about 3 by 0.33 feet, creating a rectangular shape.
What are the risks of asbestos in flooring?
These workers either had to handle the asbestos to make the flooring, or were in the area while asbestos was used in production. While asbestos used in manufacturing is generally non-friable, meaning it doesn’t easily crumble, there is a risk that asbestos fibers could potentially contaminate the air. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can cause serious damage inside the body. While not everyone who is exposed will become sick, those who do may develop life-threatening illnesses, like mesothelioma cancer, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Why did Kentile flooring go bankrupt?
Kentile faced thousands of lawsuits due to asbestos exposure and resulting illnesses. By 1992, the company turned to chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as a result of these lawsuits. Kentile reorganized and emerged from bankruptcy in 1998, but failed to regain its financial footing. People continue to file lawsuits against the defunct flooring company.
What to do if you believe in Kentile flooring?
If you believe Kentile flooring played a role in your illness or that of a spouse, you may have a strong case. Consult with an asbestos lawyer to find out what you can do to get the money you need for medical bills and other expenses.
Why are Kentile tiles so popular?
Unfortunately, the durability of these famous flooring tiles was largely due to the use of asbestos.
Why is asbestos considered a mineral?
In the 20th century, asbestos was commonly used in a variety of industries because of these qualities and its low cost. Asbestos was highly prized because it is strong, durable, moldable, and resists heat, fire, electricity, and chemical reactions.
Can asbestos be found in Kentile?
Other industry workers could have been exposed to dangerous asbestos in Kentile products also. Those who installed this tile flooring were most at risk, especially when they cut tiles for installation; however, any construction workers on the same job site were likely to have been exposed to fibers as well.
Can asbestos be inhaled?
The risk of exposure is high for any homeowners who did their renovations or tore out old asbestos floor tiles. Without proper training and safety equipment, these homeowners could have inhaled or ingested asbestos dust.
Who founded Kentile Floors?
In 1898, Arthur Kennedy founded Kentile Floors. The company produced popular asphalt and vinyl tiling. However, the company used asbestos in its tiles until 1986. Kentile’s use of the mineral caused asbestos-related diseases among thousands of Americans, who then filed claims against the company. The asbestos-related lawsuits led the company to file for bankruptcy in 1992. Almost 20 years later, Kentile Floors formed an asbestos trust fund to compensate victims. The trust is currently operational and accepting claims.
What percentage of Kentile Floors is paid out?
The Metex trust pays out a set percentage of each successful claim filed against Kentile Floors. The current base payment percentage is 7.25%, but compensation amounts may increase depending on a variety of factors. Trust operators will consider age, exposure, type of asbestos disease and firm settlement history.
What was the most popular flooring in the 1950s?
At the time, commercials featured housewives updating their kitchens with Kentile vinyl asbestos tiles. Throughout the 1950s, vinyl asbestos tile was the most popular flooring option for kitchens across the country. At the company’s peak in the 1960s, Kentile employed more than 400 people.
When did Metex go bankrupt?
The new company was once again drowning in asbestos-related lawsuits and was forced to enter bankruptcy, for a second time, on November 9, 2012. As part of the bankruptcy proceedings, Metex formed an asbestos trust fund to pay victims.
How many different asbestos diseases are there?
The trust recognizes eight different asbestos-related diseases, including two severity levels for the following diseases:
Can asbestos be found in Kentile floor?
Additionally, many homeowners have been exposed to asbestos through Kentile Floors. The company stressed the ease of installation, which led to many homeowners installing the tile themselves. Exposure may also occur when removing tiles from older homes. In homes built before 1980, tiles should be tested for asbestos prior to removal.
Is Metex still in business?
Metex is still operational today, though their products do not contain asbestos.
What is asbestos used for?
Asbestos products and their history and use in various building materials such as asphalt and vinyl flooring includes discussion which draws on ASBESTOS, ITS INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS, ROSATO 1959, D.V. Rosato, engineering consultant, Newton, MA, Reinhold Publishing, 1959 Library of Congress Catalog Card No.: 59-12535 (out of print).
What is the standard thickness of Kentile flooring?
For Kentile flooring the standard thicknesses are 1/8" and 3/16" (some sources cite unconfirmed thicknesses of 1/16", 3/32", and also in 0.08 gauge).
How thick is Kentile?
Kentile 12x12 about 1/16 thick. House built in '77
How many pieces are in a box of 39.1B049?
39.1B049 AA I have eight boxes of this tile each box has 45 pieces measurements are 12×12×1/8 I was thinking about using it and I started researching it and started getting worried about being dangerous and it having Asbestos.
How much did a floor cost in 1951?
In 1951 a 8' x 9' room floor cost $10.95 when it was consumer-installed.
Is asbestos tile safe?
If you knew the age of the floor ing in the home (prior to early 80's) it would be reasonable (and safe) to treat the flooring as presumed asbestos-containing floor tile (PACM). If you recognized a specific tile pattern in our online photo guide to asbestos tile you would know more certainly just what's probably there (some look like others);
When did Kentile flooring go bankrupt?
The Kentile company advertised flooring products both for residential and for business or commercial installations. The Kentile company filed for bankruptcy in 1992, almost certainly in reaponse to the financial burden of asbestos-related litigation, and emerged reogranized in 1998.
What is asbestos used for?
Asbestos products and their history and use in various building materials such as asphalt and vinyl flooring includes discussion which draws on ASBESTOS, ITS INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS, ROSATO 1959, D.V. Rosato, engineering consultant, Newton, MA, Reinhold Publishing, 1959 Library of Congress Catalog Card No.: 59-12535 (out of print).
What is an illustrated home?
The ILLUSTRATED HOME illustrates construction details and building components, a reference for owners & inspectors.
When was the Kentile flooring ad?
Kentile Flooring Ads Also Help Identify Kentile Flooring. These colors and patterns are from 1949 - 1952 and appeared in Kentile advertisements in Life magazine, Popular Science, in various newspapers and other publications.
Is asbestos found in Kentile flooring?
As you'll read in this Kentile article series, with a few exceptions, lab tests reported by readers found asbestos in Kentile flooring.
Does Kenflex tile go through tile?
Unlike some earlier sheet flooring products, the coloring in the components of Kentile and Kenflex floor tiles " goes right through each tile" leading the manufacturer to guarantee its durability.
Do you need a lab test to remove loose tile?
If you mean you're simply lifting up a loose tile for disposal or replacement, without creating a dusty mess, I doubt a lab test is needed.
Does Kentile tile contain asbestos?
It would be uncommon for a Kentile to not contain asbestos. Can you tell me age of home, location, a guess at floor age, and can you send me some sharp photos of the tile, and any markings on it and on the box if you have it? Keep in mind they're not friable - the hazard is minimal unless you grind chop saw or make an idiotic mess.
How was the Kentile Trust Formed?
In its early advertisements, the company promoted its floors as easy, glowing and greaseproof. At one point the company had manufacturing plants in New York, New Jersey, California and Illinois. The big money makers for the company were its commercial and institutional products.
What is Kentile Asbestos Trust?
The Kentile asbestos trust, operating under the Metex Asbestos PI Trust, functions much like other asbestos trusts. Anyone who makes a claim must provide proof of an asbestos-related disease and exposure to the product in question, among other things.
What are Kentile tiles?
Kentile’s flooring products were widely used in industrial, residential and commercial applications. Some of its products contained up to 25 percent asbestos. The more popular products include: 1 Kentile asphalt tiles 2 Kentile vinyl asbestos tile 3 KenRoyal
What is Kentile flooring?
Kentile Flooring, founded in 1898, manufactured cork, vinyl and rubber flooring products that included as much as 25 percent asbestos. The products were advertised as superior flooring made with “sturdy asbestos fibers.”.
What occupations have been exposed to asbestos?
Some of the many Kentile occupations that may have been exposed to asbestos include mixer operator, scrap tile loader, resin scale operator, asbestos weigher, and pigment scale operator.
What is the Clean Air Act?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency passed the Clean Air Act that established national emissions standards, placing regulations on asbestos use in some products. The regulations impacted companies that sprayed, milled and disposed of asbestos products, including Kentile.
How many workers at the Chicago plant had asbestos exposure?
Some 300 workers at the plant had the potential for exposure to asbestos.
701 Kentile Road, South Plainfield, NJ 07080
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Why are other occupations at risk of asbestos exposure exist?
Similarly, other occupations at risk of asbestos exposure exist because use of Kentile’s flooring products was so widespread.
Why are homeowners at risk for asbestos exposure?
Homeowners are another group at risk of asbestos exposure because of the continual interaction with these asbestos products. Damage to Kentile’s flooring during improper repairs or home construction projects can result in asbestos exposure.
What are the risks of asbestos in Kentile floors?
Employees of Kentile Floors and workers whose occupations placed them in contact with the company’s asbestos-containing floor tiles were at increased risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos can lead to serious respiratory conditions including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.
What is Kentile Floors known for?
Many remember Kentile Floors for the company’s eight-story sign visible from the Gowanus Expressway in Brooklyn. When lit up in bright neon purple, the sign could be seen from miles away. Unfortunately, the company also is remembered for using toxic asbestos in a variety of its products, including asphalt and vinyl floor tiles.
When did Kentile Floors reorganize?
Kentile Floors faced an estimated 20,000 asbestos claims when it filed for reorganization in 1992. Kentile was not able to get an asbestos trust approved to pay future claims. When it reemerged as Metex in 1998, the company became responsible for lawsuits against Kentile.
When did Metex file for bankruptcy?
When Metex later filed for bankruptcy reorganization in the federal court in New York in 2014, it faced about 6,000 active claims. This time, the court approved Metex to establish an asbestos trust, which initiated in 2015.
When did Kentile Floors file for bankruptcy?
After facing thousands of asbestos-related lawsuits, Kentile Floors filed for bankruptcy in 1992. The company reorganized as Metex Manufacturing Company in 1998 and took on Kentile’s asbestos liabilities. Metex filed for bankruptcy in 2014 and established the Metex Asbestos PI Trust a year later.
Company History
- Arthur Kennedy founded Kentile Floors in 1898.The company remained in Brooklyn for 100 years before going out of business. Originally, the company produced vinyl, rubber, and cork floor tiles. Kentile became successful by offering flooring in a wide range of materials, colors, and patterns. The company also offered products that could be installed ...
Asbestos in Kentile Products
- Asbestos is a natural mineral with several important and unique qualities. In the 20th century, asbestos was commonly used in a variety of industries because of these qualities and its low cost. Asbestos was highly prized because it is strong, durable, moldable, and resists heat, fire, electricity, and chemical reactions. While Kentile used asbestos in nearly all of its flooring, it wa…
Occupational Exposure to Kentile Asbestos Materials
- Different groups were affected by the asbestos in Kentile flooring tiles. Most affected were Kentile’s own factory workers. These workers either had to handle the asbestos to make the flooring or were in the area while asbestos was used in production. While asbestos used in manufacturing is generally non-friable, meaning it doesn’t easily crumble, there is a risk that asb…
Asbestos Lawsuits
- Kentile faced thousands of lawsuits due to asbestos exposure and resulting illnesses. By 1992, the company turned to chapter 11 bankruptcy protectionas a result of these lawsuits. Kentile reorganized and emerged from bankruptcy in 1998, but failed to regain its financial footing. People continue to file lawsuits against the defunct flooring company. Among the lawsuits filed …
Failed Asbestos Trust
- Most companies that have faced asbestos-related lawsuits and filed for bankruptcy protection are required to form an asbestos trust. These trusts are funded with an initial investment. Then funds are administered by a third party who validates claims for people impacted by the company’s asbestos use. Kentile did not establish a trust for victims, and this was a likely reason the comp…