basement floor tiles...asbestos?

Since I have your attention, I have another question. After my basement flooded, I had several damaged floor tiles. These are the 9x9 floor tiles that are black. For the most part, they come up in one solid piece, but I did scrape some off the floor. I wore a particulate mask just in case. The house is from 1951. If they are asbestos tiles, are the tiles a concern? The reason why I ask is that the State health guy where I live said there are two types of asbestos fibers, fibrile and non-fibrile. He said that more than likely the floor tiles are non-fibrile and are not prone to become airborne. Is this true? I hope it is becuase I have small children. If it is not true, how do I safely remove them and what do I do about fibers possibly floating in the air? Thanks for your help.

Bozomedic

tile

In the first place, since it is a basement, the tiles are probably asphalt not asbestos, especially if they are 1/8" thick, not 1/16". As far as airborne asbestos particles they do not just "jump" off the floor and float around. As long as you do not grind or sand asbestos products they are not a hazard.

Thanks. I think I can "breathe" a little easier now.