I recently purchased a home that was built in 1961, and discovered a double problem in the master bathroom.

The newer vinyl flooring showed discoloration around the toilet and there is a distinct mildew odor in the room. I decided to pull up the old floor and replace it.

When I started pulling up the vinyl I noticed the plywood under the vinyl was rotting (from the basement, I can not see rotting occuring in the subfloor). Using a prybar, I started pulling up the plywood as well only to find old (and mildewed, ugh) tile floor under it.

At this point I am assuming the tiles contain asbestos. I have stopped work and wet down the area to ensure no (additional?) fibers are/were released into the air.

Is there a way to safely remove the plywood without disturbing the asbestos?

Thanks!

Jen