Thanks for the response sooz001. I am aware of the general dangers associated with disturbing asbestos. To clarify my question, is there still danger in releasing asbestos fibers into the air if I'm just drilling through framing that is laying on top of the otherwise undisturbed asbestos tiles? My thinking, however ignorant and naive, is that the framing laying on top of the tiles will sort of encapsulate any fibers that could be released through drilling or nailing through the tiles. I'd love to know if my thinking is incorrect.

What did you end up doing? I have the same dilemma.

Have the tile properly remediated before any project starts. Yes, putting nails through them releases fibers. No, gluing to them isn't going to work as it relies on the 70 hear old glue under the tile for a proper bond.

How did you end up doing this ? I ran into the same issue ? Thank you

Did you find any real advice on this?

I'm helping my dad remodel the basement, and while we will float a floor over the tile, we still had to frame out all the walls (since they are just concrete and not at all level). We ended up nailing thru the tile with a concrete nail gun, not much (if any) dust came up, and if there was a visible amount of dust I don't think it would be at a health concern or hazard level. I'll probably be the one to get mesothelioma, even tho I wore a respirator mask.

I think there is a lot of hype about asbestos , do your framing like usual , wear a mask when doing it and spray area with a water mist when done and mop it up and throw away the mop no more dust .

I don’t usually comment on things like this, but I couldn’t let that last comment stand. My husband, a commercial insurance guy for a large insurance company who had to handle asbestos claims, would strongly disagree. He will do most things personally and well -electrical, constructions, plumbing, roof..But he gets pretty hepped up about not touching anything involving asbestos.

The asbestos claims were of course horrible but they were from long exposure during a lifetime not 3 hrs while framing in a basement area and with a mask and water to keep the fibers from floating around. Everyday exposure is whole other thing but as long as asbestos is not moved it poses no bigger issue than any other material .

Let’s just agree to disagree. Thanks