Can asbestes be circulated via water?

Question

We had a water leak in an old building with asbestes in the floors the water leaked from one floor to another what if any should we do to avoid the contact with the asbestes once the water dries? Should we be concerned?

Answer 1

If it is vinyl-asbestos tile that you are concerned with, be aware that this is a special case. The asbestos does not migrate out of the tile unless the tiles are disturbed mechanically, as when you scrape them off of the floor. As long as the tiles are intact, there is zero risk of asbestos migration due to the tile getting wet.

If there is asbestos in the mastic, then you might have a different situation, though I have never seen it happen. Since I am counsel to a bunch of construction companies, I have seen asbestos do lots of crazy things, but VAT is not a problem until you scrape it up off the floor.

Answer 2

Yes, but u shouldnt let it dry sop it up with paper towels wearing gloves and tie it up tight in a plastic bag

Answer 3

Yes - You should never go near asbestos.  You need to contact a certified haz-mat team for complete removal of this material.

Answer 4

Yes.  Any substance that can be blown around by the wind can also fall on the water. While asbestos won't dissolve like typical soluble chemicals it is small (less than 2 microns) and can easily be suspended in water.  Even smaller particals (less than 1 micron) can fit trough the openings of some filters.  Asbestos is like a fiber.  It can be much thinner than its length, which is why it is dangerous to the human lungs.