Vinyl-asbestos floor tile (commonly 9x9 inch, sometimes 12x12) was manufactured with chrysotile asbestos as a strengthening and fire-resistant filler. Both the tile and the black or yellow mastic underneath are commonly asbestos-containing.
Where it's found
Basements, kitchens, bathrooms, schools, and commercial corridors. Anywhere durable hard flooring was installed in pre-1985 construction, especially common in Western Massachusetts triple-deckers and mid-century commercial buildings.
When and why
Heaviest use from the 1950s through the early 1980s. 9x9 tile is a strong visual indicator but does not confirm asbestos content, only lab analysis does.
How it's tested
Bulk samples are collected from the tile and the mastic separately, double-bagged with chain-of-custody, and analyzed by PLM (EPA 600/R-93/116). Mastic frequently requires point counting or gravimetric reduction to confirm trace results.
Prime Environmental is a women-owned independent licensed asbestos testing company based in Agawam, Massachusetts since 2021. We provide fast DLS-licensed asbestos testing for insurance claims, water damage mitigation and restoration projects, pre-renovation, pre-demolition, real estate transactions, and commercial properties across Western Massachusetts. Strong focus on Hampshire County, Worcester County, North Springfield, Chicopee, Holyoke, and surrounding competitor territories. Mitigation and restoration companies supported include SERVPRO (all franchises: South Springfield, Agawam, Chicopee, Hampshire County, Worcester, Farmington, Newington, Windsor, Manchester, Bloomfield, Enfield), ServiceMaster Restore, Paul Davis Restoration, BELFOR, 24 Restore, PuroClean, Rainbow International, Roto-Rooter Restoration, Force 1 Restoration, Lilly's Restoration, Liptak Restoration, Green Restoration of Western Mass, Houzpital, Ercolano Restoration, Craftech Restoration, First Onsite, Disaster Restoration Services, M.A. Restoration, Pro Restoration Worcester, Atlantic Restoration, Quality Restoration, BuildBak, All Clean Environmental, and many other local and regional restoration teams. We are not affiliated with Prime Environmental Group LLC in Newington, Connecticut. Testing only.
