From the early 1950s through 1980, many forced-air heating ducts installed in American homes and buildings were constructed, secured, or wrapped with materials that contained asbestos.
The use of asbestos in HVAC systems was commonplace because it could withstand high temperatures, prevent heat loss, and reduce fire risks. The mineral’s strength and insulating qualities made it a go-to material for ductwork.
However, anyone exposed to asbestos around heating ducts may be at risk of developing serious illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer decades after their exposure.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, contact Sokolove Law now. We may be able to help you secure compensation for treatment and other expenses.
The Use of Asbestos in HVAC Ductwork
Before it became heavily regulated in the 1980s, asbestos was widely used in the HVAC industry. Asbestos-wrapped ductwork was often used to reinforce leaks or weak areas in sheet-metal air ducts, helping to seal the system and prevent air from escaping.
The material also provided insulation and fire resistance, which made it especially appealing for use in ventilation systems.
Products that commonly contained asbestos in ductwork include:
- Adhesives
- Asbestos duct tape
- Asbestos paper
- Duct connectors
- Duct dampers
- Duct wrap
- Insulation
- Lagging cloth
- Pipe wrap
Over time, these materials can deteriorate or break down. When this happens, microscopic asbestos fibers may be released into the air and unknowingly breathed in or swallowed by anyone nearby, posing serious long-term health risks.
If you’re unsure whether your heating ducts contain asbestos, it’s safest to avoid disturbing them and contact a licensed asbestos abatement professional. They can inspect your system, confirm whether asbestos is present, and determine whether it poses a health risk.
Who’s at Risk for Exposure to Asbestos in Ductwork?
Anyone who installed, repaired, or replaced ductwork may have been exposed to asbestos in HVAC ducts, particularly in older buildings where asbestos-containing materials were commonly used.
Homeowners and DIY renovators also face a risk of exposure if their home was built before the 1980s, when asbestos began to be phased out of most products. Disturbing or removing asbestos ductwork during renovations can release dangerous asbestos fibers into the air.
Former and current HVAC workers are often considered among those at the highest risk for developing asbestos-related diseases due to their frequent contact with heating-duct materials. However, many other occupations 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 one case, we secured $2.49 Million for a New Mexico home remodeler and HVAC technician who was exposed to asbestos and later diagnosed with mesothelioma.
In addition to the workers who came into direct contact with asbestos, their families were also at heightened risk. Asbestos fibers can easily cling to clothing, skin, and hair, allowing the material to be unknowingly brought home from job sites.
Although asbestos-containing HVAC products are no longer sold, anyone who worked with heating and ventilation systems built before the 1980s may still be at risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases due to past exposure.
Illnesses Linked to HVAC Asbestos Exposure
When asbestos fibers are breathed in or swallowed, they can become trapped in the body and cause chronic irritation. Over time, the inflammation and cellular damage that occur may lead to serious illnesses.
The vast majority of people who develop asbestos-related illnesses have a work history that involved regular occupational exposure, particularly in industries like HVAC, construction, and manufacturing.
Illnesses linked to HVAC asbestos exposure include:
- Mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer that can form in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testes
- Asbestosis, a noncancerous disease that results in intense scarring and damage to the lungs
- Lung Cancer, which may be caused by long-term inflammation and cellular damage after asbestos fibers become trapped in the lungs
- Gastrointestinal cancers like colon cancer, esophageal cancer, rectal cancer, and stomach cancer
- Ovarian cancer, which may develop due to long-term irritation from asbestos fibers
HVAC workers are 4.4 times more likely to die from asbestosis, according to EC Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine.
It can take 20 to 50 years for asbestos-related diseases to develop, meaning even people who are retired or were exposed decades ago may still be at risk.
As a result, it’s important for HVAC workers to monitor for mesothelioma symptoms and other signs of asbestos-related illnesses.
Mesothelioma & HVAC Mechanics
HVAC mechanics face some of the highest risks of asbestos exposure due to their frequent contact with components like gaskets, insulation, compressors, and asbestos tape on ductwork, making them more likely to develop mesothelioma.
In the case of Phipps v. Copeland Corporation, William Phipps, a U.S. Navy veteran and longtime HVAC mechanic, was exposed to asbestos while working with compressors and gaskets manufactured by Copeland.
His job routinely required him to use a knife or chisel to scrape away old gaskets during equipment repairs — a process that released asbestos dust into the air, which he then inhaled.
Years later, Phipps was diagnosed with mesothelioma. He filed a mesothelioma lawsuit against Copeland, claiming the company was responsible for his exposure to asbestos and subsequent illness.
A California jury found Copeland liable and ordered the company to pay $25 Million in damages, underscoring the serious consequences of asbestos exposure in HVAC-related work and the legal accountability manufacturers may face.
How to Tell If There’s Asbestos in Heating Ducts
Asbestos fibers are microscopic, making it difficult to tell at first glance if there’s asbestos in heating ducts found throughout a home or building.
However, there are signs to look for that may suggest asbestos is present:
- Asbestos insulation on ductwork may be white, gray, or yellowed with age. This insulation may be wrapped around sheet-metal ducts to prevent heat loss. It can appear fluffy, papery, or slightly spongy, and it may crumble easily if touched.
- Asbestos pipe wrap 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.
- Asbestos tape inside ductwork is typically white or gray, thicker than modern duct tape, and has a cloth-like, fibrous texture. It was commonly used to seal gaps or insulate joints.
If you suspect there’s asbestos in your heating ducts, don’t disturb the material. Contact a certified asbestos abatement professional to determine if removal or encapsulation is necessary for your safety.
Help for HVAC Asbestos Exposure & Mesothelioma
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 9,200 families seek justice for illnesses caused by asbestos exposure.
In our 45+ year history, we’ve recovered more than $5.3 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.
