I have a business associate, who has the following issues..

Her flooring is Cork and I am worried about the following;
cork flooring from the 1940-1950 and asbestos issues. Either in the compound that binds the cork together or the underlay/underpad or the glue that holds it down.

As per her info, the cork floor is unfinished in most places. She wanted me to strip it and re-finish, I am worried about this job for my health and her families health.

Any info or where to go and get info, much appreciated.

Thanks in Advance Ed
ps. Cork floor is in Oshawa Ontario, Canada,
there was issues with Asbestos with other products here.

I honestly don't have any knowledge about that type of flooring. Sorry.






Rick Gelinas
rick@excellent-supply.com

You can have it tested.

The real danger of asbestos is airborne particles. If the floor is kept wet when stripping there would be no airborne particles. Asbestos particles are little barbs that penetrate into the tissue in your lungs.

Question is how wet can you get the cork without it warping?

I was in the removal business years ago. There is a high chance of asbestos. Keep it wet , maybe tent the area and use an air scrubber. Keeping it wet will keep it from going airborne. You would need to do a whole lot to have a health problem with it.

dave

Thanks to all. That is what I was thinking I just wanted confirmation that I was on the same path as some of the seasoned experts. I told her last week to get an assesment and that keeping it wet while it was done was what I would do as well. I am not sure about the asbestos, but I want to be carefull as well.

Thanks again all.
Ed