Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Sparkler |
Object Name |
Tile |
Collection |
Material Samples Collection |
Catalog Number |
2024.9.2w |
Description |
Carnival Kentile Vinyl Asbestos Tile with white, black, tan, and light pink flecks on a speckled dark pink background. |
Context |
Kentile Floors was founded in 1898 by Arthur Kennedy and produced floor tiles with an asbestos content of up to 25 percent, according to Inspectapedia. Kentile floor tiles were originally made from asphalt and eventually vinyl and cork. The asphalt tiles and many of the vinyl tiles contained a combination of whole asbestos fibers and powdered asbestos fibers. Kentile flooring was popular because it was inexpensive and easy to install, even for a do-it-yourself homeowner. The asbestos in the tile made it resistant to grease, stains, and scuff marks. It was considered a dream to clean. Despite its desirability, it was a carcinogenic product, especially during manufacture, installation, and rip out. |
Currently On Display In |
Visible Vault: Open Collections Storage |
Date |
09/1958 |
Dimensions |
H-3 W-3 D-0.125 inches |
Lexicon Category |
1: Built Environment Objects |