Asbestos Floor Tiles: Exposure & Trust Fund Compensation
Vinyl-asbestos floor tiles were installed in millions of U.S. homes, schools, hospitals, and commercial buildings from the 1930s through 1985. Floor installers, demolition workers, and renovation contractors handled these tiles with significant asbestos exposure.
Were you exposed to floor tiles?
What is asbestos floor tiles?
Vinyl-asbestos floor tiles (VAT) were the dominant flooring product for commercial and institutional buildings during the asbestos era. Armstrong World Industries was the largest manufacturer, with Kentile and Flintkote also producing major product lines. Tiles typically contained 10-30% chrysotile asbestos as a strengthening fiber. Sold in 9-inch and 12-inch sizes, vinyl-asbestos tiles were installed by carpenters, floor installers, and tile installers across millions of buildings.
Manufacturers and bankruptcy trusts that cover this product
The following asbestos manufacturers produced floor tiles products during the asbestos era and now have bankruptcy trusts that compensate exposed claimants:
Exposure mechanism
Floor tile exposure occurred through:
- Tile cutting and fitting — trimming tiles to fit edges and corners generated asbestos dust
- Adhesive application — some tile adhesives contained asbestos
- Tile removal during renovation — the highest-exposure activity; scraping up old tiles released embedded asbestos fibers
- Floor stripping operations — high-speed buffing of old VAT floors released asbestos
Common occupations exposed to floor tiles
- Floor installers
- Tile installers
- Carpenters
- Construction workers
- Demolition workers
- Renovation contractors
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my floor tiles contain asbestos?
Vinyl floor tiles installed before 1985 — particularly 9x9 inch tiles — likely contain asbestos. Visual identification is unreliable; testing by an accredited lab is the only certain method. EPA does not recommend removal of intact, undisturbed VAT.
Did Armstrong make all asbestos floor tiles?
Armstrong was the largest manufacturer but not the only one. Kentile Floors and Flintkote also produced major asbestos floor tile lines. Most floor installers handled multiple manufacturers' products.
I demolished old floors during a renovation — am I exposed?
Yes. Removing vinyl-asbestos tiles by scraping or breaking releases asbestos fibers. Demolition workers and renovation contractors from the 1990s onward have eligible exposure when working with pre-1985 floor installations.
What about janitorial workers who stripped VAT floors?
Floor stripping with high-speed buffers and chemical strippers generates asbestos exposure when working on vinyl-asbestos tiles. Long-term janitorial workers in buildings with VAT flooring can have eligible exposure.
How do floor tile claims combine with other trust filings?
Floor installers typically file Armstrong (primary tile manufacturer) plus general construction trusts (Manville for broad coverage, joint compound trusts if also did finish work). Combined trust compensation depends on full work history.
Were you exposed to asbestos floor tiles?
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