Do my floor tiles have asbestos?
Vinyl and asphalt floor tiles installed by 1980, and the adhesive under them, should be treated as asbestos until tested. New York's Labor Department specifically lists 9-inch by 9-inch tiles as assumed to contain asbestos. If they're intact, the simplest option is often to cover them with new flooring.
How likely is it?
- EPA lists "vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives" among places asbestos is found in homes (EPA).
- OSHA requires contractors to treat "asphalt and vinyl flooring material installed no later than 1980" as asbestos unless tested (29 CFR 1926.1101).
- New York's Labor Department lists "9-inch x 9-inch floor tiles" among materials assumed to contain asbestos (NY DOL).
The 9×9 size is a clue, not a test: 12×12 tiles and sheet flooring from the same era can contain asbestos too. Only a lab test tells you.
What not to do
From the EPA:
- "Don't sand or try to level asbestos flooring or its backing."
- "Never use a power stripper on flooring that may contain asbestos," and don't use abrasive pads or brushes to strip wax from it.
- "When asbestos flooring needs replacing install new floor covering over it, if possible."
Your options
| Option | When it fits |
|---|---|
| Leave it | Tiles are intact and you're happy with them. |
| Cover it | New flooring goes over the old (EPA's preferred approach when flooring needs replacing). Make sure installing the new floor won't mean sanding or cutting the old tiles. |
| Remove it | Tiles are badly damaged, or the floor has to come up. Test first; EPA says removal should be done by a trained, accredited professional. |
Some states let homeowners remove asbestos from their own homes under strict conditions. Check your state's rules.
Cost
Published estimates for asbestos floor tile removal run about $4 to $15 per square foot. A 200-square-foot kitchen would be roughly $900 to $3,000 at the middle of those ranges. Estimate yours.
Sources
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. See our sources.