Armstrong World Industries
Armstrong is one of the world's largest flooring manufacturers. The company produced vinyl-asbestos floor tiles from 1951 to 1986, with some sheet flooring samples testing at up to 70% asbestos content.
* The end date of asbestos use varies by country depending on when it was banned. See the ban year next to each country below.
Description
Armstrong World Industries, originally founded as Armstrong Cork Company in 1860 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, grew to become one of the largest flooring manufacturers in the world. The company began producing vinyl-asbestos floor tiles in 1951 and continued manufacturing asbestos-containing flooring products until 1986. During this 35-year period, Armstrong produced dozens of distinct tile patterns, making their products among the most commonly encountered asbestos-containing materials in American homes and commercial buildings.
Armstrong's vinyl-asbestos tiles were sold under a systematic catalog numbering system. Tiles from the 1950s and 1960s typically carry 3-digit pattern numbers, while tiles from the 1970s and 1980s use 5-digit numbers. This numbering system has become an essential identification tool for asbestos inspectors and homeowners alike. The tiles were manufactured in standard 9-inch by 9-inch and 12-inch by 12-inch formats, with the 9x9 format being particularly common in the earlier decades and strongly associated with asbestos content.
Laboratory analysis of Armstrong flooring products has revealed significant asbestos concentrations. Some Armstrong sheet flooring samples have tested at up to 70% asbestos content, particularly in the felt backing layer. The vinyl-asbestos tiles themselves typically contain between 5% and 25% chrysotile asbestos, which was used as a reinforcing filler to improve durability, fire resistance, and dimensional stability. Importantly, Armstrong has publicly stated that their ceiling tiles never contained asbestos, a distinction worth noting when assessing buildings.
The health consequences of manufacturing and installing Armstrong asbestos flooring led to thousands of personal injury claims. Armstrong filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2000, largely due to the volume of asbestos litigation. The Armstrong Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust was established to compensate claimants who developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases from exposure to Armstrong products.
Today, Armstrong World Industries continues to operate as a major ceiling and flooring manufacturer, having fully transitioned to asbestos-free products. However, millions of square feet of Armstrong vinyl-asbestos tiles remain installed in buildings across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, representing an ongoing exposure risk during renovation and demolition activities.
Countries where commonly found
Commercial brands
How to identify
Armstrong vinyl-asbestos floor tiles are typically found in 9x9-inch or 12x12-inch formats. Look for the Armstrong name or logo on the tile backing or on original packaging and installation documentation. Tiles from the 1950s-60s carry 3-digit catalog numbers, while 1970s-80s tiles use 5-digit numbers. Common colors include speckled patterns in beige, brown, green, and grey. The tiles are rigid and brittle compared to modern vinyl. Armstrong sheet flooring with asbestos often has a dark felt backing layer. Check under carpet, newer flooring layers, or adhesive residue for hidden Armstrong tiles. Any Armstrong floor tile installed between 1951 and 1986 should be presumed to contain asbestos unless laboratory tested. Armstrong ceiling tiles do NOT contain asbestos according to the manufacturer.
Health risk & friability
This material has a risk level of 2 out of 5.
It is classified as non-friable, meaning the asbestos fibers were tightly bound within the material matrix at the time of manufacture. When in good condition and left undisturbed, the risk of fiber release is low, although it may release asbestos fibers that could settle beneath these materials, potentially contaminating their surroundings. Activities such as cutting, drilling, sanding or breaking the material can release dangerous fibers and must not be carried out under any circumstances.
What to do if you find this material
If you have Armstrong floor tiles installed between 1951 and 1986, do not sand, scrape, break, or use power tools on the tiles or their adhesive (cutback adhesive is also likely to contain asbestos). Intact tiles in good condition pose a low risk and can often be left in place or covered with new flooring. If tiles are crumbling, cracked, or must be removed for renovation, engage a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. Never dry-sweep debris from damaged tiles. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease and were exposed to Armstrong products, you may be eligible to file a claim with the Armstrong Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust. Consult an asbestos attorney for guidance on claim procedures and deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Armstrong floor tiles contain asbestos?
Do Armstrong ceiling tiles contain asbestos?
How do I identify Armstrong asbestos tiles by pattern number?
Can I cover Armstrong asbestos tiles with new flooring?
Is there a trust fund for Armstrong asbestos claims?
Related materials
Other asbestos-containing materials you might encounter.
Vinyl Asbestos Floor Tile (VAT)
Resilient vinyl floor tiles manufactured with chrysotile asbestos fibres for durability and fire resistance.
Vinyl Sheet Flooring with Asbestos Backing
Sheet vinyl flooring with asbestos-containing felt or paper backing, common in kitchens and bathrooms.
Asbestos Asphalt Floor Tile
Floor tiles with asbestos fibres bound in an asphalt (bitumen) matrix, the dominant resilient tile from the 1920s to the 1960s.
Eternit
Eternit was the world's largest manufacturer of asbestos-cement roofing, pipes, and facade products.
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