Asbestos Removal: Water and Amended Solvents

Water, amended water, or solvents may be spread onto asbestos floor tiles in order to loosen them. After a period of soaking, the tiles may be removed using long-handled scrapers (ice chippers), or gas- or electrically-powered mechanical chisels. In cases where tile breakage is minimal, the floor tiles are not considered RACM.

However, where breakage is extensive, the tiles are RACM and are subject to the provisions of the asbestos NESHAP.

Courtesy of The EPA