HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) workers can be at risk of asbestos exposure due to the nature of their work. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once widely used in construction materials for its heat resistance and insulating properties. However, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health issues, including lung diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
HVAC systems in older buildings may contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) such as insulation, ductwork, gaskets, seals, and even some HVAC equipment components. When these materials are disturbed or deteriorate over time, they can release asbestos fibers into the air, which workers and occupants of the building can inhale.
If you or someone you know has experienced asbestos-related effects as an HVAC worker, reaching out to Bailey & Glasser, LLP, could provide valuable insights into your potential legal options.
How are HVAC Workers at Risk?
HVAC workers can be at risk of asbestos exposure due to the nature of their work and the potential presence of asbestos-containing materials in older buildings. Here are some ways in which HVAC workers can be at risk:
- Disturbance of asbestos-containing materials: HVAC systems in older buildings often contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) such as insulation, gaskets, seals, and ductwork insulation. When HVAC workers perform maintenance, repairs, or installations, they can inadvertently disturb these materials, causing asbestos fibers to become airborne.
- Deterioration of ACMs: As buildings age, asbestos-containing materials can deteriorate, become friable (crumbly), and release asbestos fibers into the air. HVAC workers might inadvertently come into contact with these deteriorating materials while performing their tasks.
- Demolition and renovation: HVAC systems are commonly dismantled during renovation or demolition projects. Disassembling components that contain asbestos without proper precautions can lead to the release of asbestos fibers into the work environment.
- Inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE): Without proper PPE, such as respirators, gloves, and coveralls, HVAC workers may be exposed to airborne asbestos fibers while working with or around asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos Sources
HVAC mechanics may encounter various asbestos-containing products while working on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in older buildings. These products were commonly used in the past due to asbestos’s heat resistance and insulating properties. Here are some examples of asbestos-containing products that HVAC mechanics might come across:
- Insulation: Asbestos insulation was widely used in HVAC systems to prevent heat loss and regulate temperatures. This insulation could be found around ductwork, pipes, boilers, and other HVAC components.
- Ductwork insulation: HVAC ducts could be insulated with asbestos-containing materials to improve energy efficiency and prevent heat transfer. This insulation might be wrapped around the ducts or used as a lining inside them.
- Gaskets and seals: Asbestos-containing gaskets and seals were used in HVAC equipment to create airtight connections between components, preventing leaks and ensuring proper functioning.
- Boiler and furnace components: Asbestos-containing materials were used in boilers and furnaces to insulate them and protect surrounding areas from excess heat. This could include asbestos insulation around burners, pipes, and other parts.
- Cement and adhesives: Asbestos cement was used in HVAC systems for its durability and fire-resistant properties. It could be found in cement used to secure ducts, as well as in adhesives used to join components together.
- Textile products: Asbestos textiles, such as ropes, cloth, and tape, were used to seal joints, provide insulation, and protect against heat in HVAC systems.
- Spray-on insulation: Some HVAC systems were coated with spray-on asbestos insulation, particularly in large commercial and industrial settings. This type of insulation could release asbestos fibers if disturbed.
- HVAC equipment components: Certain older HVAC equipment components, such as fan blades and housing, might contain asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos Health Risks
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in various industries due to its heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties. However, exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health risks and diseases. The inhalation of asbestos fibers is particularly concerning, as they can become trapped in the lungs and other parts of the respiratory system, causing long-term damage over time. Here are some of the health risks associated with asbestos exposure:
- Asbestosis: Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition that results from the scarring of lung tissue due to prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest pain, and a crackling sound in the lungs when breathing. Severe cases of asbestosis can lead to respiratory failure and other complications.
- Lung cancer: Asbestos exposure is a significant risk factor for developing lung cancer. Asbestos-related lung cancer has a latency period, meaning it may take many years to decades for symptoms to appear after exposure. Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest pain, and weight loss.
- Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), but it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and other areas. Mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure, and its prognosis is often poor due to its aggressive nature.
- Other cancers: Besides lung cancer and mesothelioma, asbestos exposure has been linked to an increased risk of other cancers, including cancers of the larynx, esophagus, stomach, colon, and rectum.
- Pleural plaques: Pleural plaques are areas of thickened, hardened tissue that develop on the pleura (the lining of the lungs and chest cavity). While generally not cancerous, they indicate asbestos exposure and may cause discomfort and reduced lung function.
- Pleural effusion: Asbestos exposure can lead to the accumulation of fluid between the layers of the pleura, causing pleural effusion. This can result in breathing difficulties and chest pain.
- Diffuse pleural thickening: Prolonged asbestos exposure can lead to the thickening of the pleura, which can restrict lung expansion and impair lung function.
It’s important to note that asbestos-related diseases often have long latency periods, meaning symptoms may not appear until many years after the initial exposure.
Manufacturers of Asbestos-Containing HVAC Parts
Several companies manufactured HVAC parts and components that contained asbestos in the past. However, it’s important to note that asbestos use in manufacturing has declined significantly due to the well-established health risks associated with asbestos exposure. As a result, most modern HVAC systems and components are asbestos-free.
It’s also worth mentioning that the list of companies may not be exhaustive, as asbestos use varied widely across manufacturers and regions. Some companies associated with asbestos-containing HVAC parts include:
- Bestwall Gypsum: Known for making adhesives and joint compounds for drywall repairs around HVAC equipment.
- Celotex Corporation: Produced ductwork materials, such as sealers, connectors, and adhesives.
- Duro Dyne Corporation: A manufacturer of metal components for heating, cooling, and ventilation systems and known for inventing flexible duct connectors, vane rail, and blade kits.
- Gold Bond: Produced construction materials such as wallboard, spray texture, stucco, plaster, adhesive, cement, and joint compounds.
- Johns Manville: Known for producing building supplies, including caulking putty, panels, insulation, and cement.
- Kaiser Gypsum Company Inc.: Involved in making joint compounds for wallboard and heating components and texturing paint used for repairing HVAC equipment.
- Nicolet: Once a pharmaceutical company that evolved into a construction materials company.
- Rich Tex Inc.:Created asbestos-containing spray texture, joint compound, and acoustical ceiling spray used in HVAC maintenance.
- Sprinkmann Insulation: Produced insulation commonly used around HVAC steam pipes.
- W.R. Grace & Co.: Producing insulation and building materials, including Monokote fireproofing cement, Zonolite attic insulation, and acoustical plaster.
Final Thoughts
Bailey & Glasser’s dedicated team of experts in Asbestos and Lung Disease focuses on offering legal advocacy for individuals who have suffered from cancer stemming from asbestos exposure.
If you or someone within your circle has received a mesothelioma diagnosis due to asbestos contact, seeking legal support becomes crucial for understanding your entitlements and determining your next steps. The professionals at Bailey & Glasser have a track record of managing cases concerning asbestos-related illnesses. They stand ready to provide direction and legal representation at every step of the legal journey.
