Between the early 1950s and 1980, forced-air heating ducts installed in American buildings and houses were often constructed, secured, or wrapped with asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos, a mineral that was once widely used in different construction projects and commercial applications, is now known to cause serious illnesses.
Before it came under heavy regulation in the 1980s, asbestos could be found in many products commonly used in the HVAC and heating-duct industries. These products were favored for their heat resistance and durability, making them strong insulators.
Anyone exposed to asbestos around heating ducts may be at risk of developing mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other diseases decades after their exposure.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact Sokolove Law now. We may be able to help you secure compensation for treatment and other expenses.
Where Was Asbestos in Ductwork & HVAC Systems?
Prized for its ability to prevent fires and withstand high temperatures, asbestos was commonly found in lagging cloth, insulation, and pipe wrap — products often used by those in the HVAC industry.
Prior to the 1980s, asbestos-wrapped ductwork was common to reinforce any leaks or weaknesses in sheet-metal air ducts. These asbestos-containing materials worked by keeping any potential outflows of air sealed inside the air ducts.
Heating duct and HVAC asbestos-containing products include:
- Adhesives
- Asbestos duct tape
- Asbestos paper
- Duct connectors
- Duct dampers
- Duct wrap
- Insulation
- Lagging cloth
- Pipe wrap
These products can pose serious health risks as they deteriorate and break down over time. When such materials begin to break down, individual asbestos fibers can become loose and be inadvertently inhaled or ingested by anyone nearby.
If you're unsure whether your heating ducts contain asbestos, contact an asbestos abatement professional who can determine if asbestos is present and if it poses a health risk.
Who Is at Risk for Exposure to Asbestos in Heating Ducts?
Anyone who installed, repaired, or replaced ductwork may have been exposed to asbestos in heating ducts.
Homeowners and DIY renovators run the risk of exposure if their home was built after the 1980s, which is when asbestos started to get phased out of building and construction materials.
Former or current HVAC workers are often considered at the highest risk for developing asbestos-related diseases from heating-duct asbestos exposure — though other jobs were also at risk.
Workers who may have been exposed to asbestos in heating ducts include:
- Construction workers
- Demolition workers
- Duct workers
- Factory workers
- Firefighters
- HVAC technicians
- Insulators
- Millwrights
- Plumbers
- Steel workers
In addition to the HVAC workers who came into regular contact with asbestos, their families were also put at heightened risk. Asbestos fibers can easily stick to clothing and be accidentally brought home with workers.
While HVAC asbestos-containing products may no longer be on the market, anyone who worked with HVAC systems built before the 1980s is at an increased risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Illnesses Linked to Asbestos in Ductwork
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer that forms in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testes.
This rare disease impacts around 3,000 Americans each year. The vast majority of those who develop asbestos-related diseases have a work history that includes regular asbestos exposure.
Because symptoms of mesothelioma can take 20-50 years to appear, anyone who was exposed to asbestos in ductwork decades ago may still be at risk of getting sick.
Asbestos exposure can also lead to other illnesses, including:
- Asbestosis: Often characterized by shortness of breath and persistent coughing, this noncancerous disease results in intense scarring and damage to the lungs.
- Asbestos lung cancer: Once asbestos fibers are trapped inside a person’s lungs, it can cause long-term inflammation that leads to lung cancer.
Links between asbestos exposure and other types of asbestos cancer have also been found, including gastrointestinal cancer, esophageal cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, rectal cancer, and stomach cancer.
It’s estimated that more than 40,000 Americans die from asbestos-related illnesses each year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
How to Tell If There’s Asbestos in Ductwork
Asbestos fibers are microscopic, making it difficult to tell at first glance if there’s asbestos in ductwork found throughout a home or building. However, there are signs to look for that may suggest this mineral is present.
One common sign is asbestos pipe wrap, which is often white, resembles cardboard, and has ridged edges. This material may be wrapped around metal pipes, particularly at connection points or joints where insulation is needed to prevent heat loss.
This dangerous mineral may also be present in asbestos tape inside ductwork, which was often used to seal gaps or insulate joints. This tape is typically white or gray, thicker than modern duct tape, and has a cloth-like, fibrous texture.
If you suspect there’s asbestos in your heating ducts, it’s important not to disturb the material. Contact a certified asbestos abatement professional to determine if removal or encapsulation is necessary for your safety.
Learn Your Options After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Though many asbestos-related companies were aware of the cancer risks associated with asbestos in ductwork and other products, they continued to put workers at risk in order to make a profit.
Because of this corporate negligence, mesothelioma patients and their loved ones may be able to take legal action and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
As a national mesothelioma law firm, Sokolove Law has helped over 8,700 families seek justice for illnesses caused by asbestos exposure.
In our 45+ year history, we’ve recovered more than $5.1 Billion for clients impacted by mesothelioma.
Call (800) 647-3434 now or fill out our contact form to find out if you may be eligible for compensation during a free, no-obligation case review.
