Both of these devices are exposed to the air in your home for a specified period of time and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The Environmental Health Department of the Cobb County Board of Health is offering free in-home radon testing in Cobb County. Asbestos - Most homes more than 20 years old are likely to contain asbestos. In order to be a health risk, asbestos fibers must be released from the material and be present in the air for people to breathe. Asbestos has been added to some vinyl floor tiles to strengthen them.
Asbestos is also present in the backing on some vinyl sheet flooring.
The asbestos is often bound in the tiles and backing with vinyl or some type of binder. Asbestos fibers can be released if the tiles are sanded or seriously damaged, or if the backing on the sheet flooring is dry-scraped or sanded, or if the tiles are severely worn or cut to fit into place. A health risk exists only when asbestos fibers are released from the material or product. In most cases, asbestos containing materials are best left alone. Environmental Tobacco Smoke - Kick the cigarette habit.