Asbestos was commonly used in various building materials due to its fire-resistant properties. Among these materials were ducts, particularly HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) ducts. These asbestos-containing ducts were installed in many buildings, especially those constructed before the 1980s, when the health risks of asbestos became more widely recognized and its use was more heavily regulated.
If you’ve come across ducts that contain asbestos, no matter how long ago, get in touch with Bailey & Glasser, LLP today. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your options moving forward.
Ducts and Asbestos
Asbestos ducts typically contained asbestos in two forms:
- Asbestos Paper or Felt: This type of material was often used as insulation on the outside of metal ductwork. It was applied because of its excellent insulation properties and its ability to resist fire.
- Asbestos Cement or Transite Ducts: Some ducts were made from a material called transite, a mixture of cement and asbestos. This material was used for its durability and fire resistance.
Asbestos ducts were used in the following ways:
- Factories: Industrial settings often used asbestos ducts extensively due to the high heat environments and the need for effective insulation. Factories with high-temperature processes or those involving chemicals and heavy machinery particularly favored asbestos for its fire-resistant properties. Workers in these environments were at risk of asbestos exposure, especially during maintenance, repair, or renovation of the duct systems.
- Hospitals: In hospitals, using asbestos ducts was common for maintaining sterile and temperature-controlled environments. Asbestos was used in HVAC systems to prevent the spread of fire and manage air quality. However, this posed a risk to both hospital staff and patients, especially during any construction or remodeling activities that disturbed the asbestos materials.
- Office Buildings: Many office buildings constructed before the 1980s have asbestos-containing materials, including in their ductwork. These were used for fireproofing and insulation. Employees working in these buildings for extended periods could potentially be exposed to asbestos fibers, particularly during renovations or repairs.
- Other Commercial Buildings: This category includes many structures, such as shopping malls, theaters, hotels, and government buildings. Asbestos ducts in these buildings were used for the same reasons as in office buildings – primarily for fire resistance and insulation.
- Residential Buildings: In homes and apartment complexes, particularly those built in the mid-20th century, asbestos ducts were used for heating and cooling systems. Homeowners and residents may not always be aware of the presence of asbestos, and it becomes a concern during home renovations, repairs, or demolitions.
- Schools: Many schools built before asbestos regulations were enforced contain asbestos in their ductwork, among other materials. Asbestos in schools poses a significant concern because of the continuous presence of children, who are more susceptible to the health risks of asbestos exposure.
Manufacturers of Asbestos Containing Ducts
Manufacturers produced a range of asbestos-containing materials for ductwork. This included asbestos paper or felt used for insulation, and transite ducts made from a mixture of cement and asbestos.
These companies played a key role in supplying building materials during a time when the dangers of asbestos were not fully understood. Their products were widely used in construction and HVAC installations.
Some of the manufacturers of ducts that contained asbestos included:
- Celotex Corporation: Produced roofing and insulation supplies for residential and commercial properties.
- Duro Dyne Corporation: Duro Dyne manufactured sheet metal products for cooling, heating, and ventilation systems. One of their main products was flexible duct connectors.
- Johns Manville: One of the country’s largest manufacturers of asbestos construction products. John Manville produced asbestos-insulating cement, paper, and pipe insulation that were used around ductwork.
- Nicolet: Formerly known as Keasbey & Mattison, this company started in the pharmaceutical industry. They later focused on producing pipe insulation.
- Turner & Newall: Turner & Newell produced asbestos textiles, insulation products, cement and cement sheets.
Asbestos Exposure from Ducts
The primary health concern with asbestos is related to its fibers. When asbestos-containing materials deteriorate or are disturbed, they can release fine fibers into the air. Inhaling these fibers can lead to serious health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, a type of cancer that is specifically associated with asbestos exposure.
The most notable health risks include:
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. The fibers cause scarring in the lungs, leading to progressive lung fibrosis. Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent cough, and in severe cases, heart enlargement. Asbestosis is a progressive disease and can be debilitating or fatal.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. The combination of asbestos exposure and smoking dramatically increases this risk. Symptoms of lung cancer include coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and weight loss.
- Mesothelioma: A rare form of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) but can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma) and other organs. Mesothelioma is closely linked to asbestos exposure and may not develop until decades after the exposure.
- Pleural Plaques: These are areas of fibrous thickening on the lining of the lungs or diaphragm. While they are not cancerous and often don’t cause symptoms, their presence can indicate asbestos exposure and a higher risk of more serious diseases.
- Pleural Effusions: This condition involves the buildup of fluid between the layers of the pleura, the membrane surrounding the lungs. While not exclusively caused by asbestos exposure, it can be a related complication.
- Pleural Thickening: Chronic inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to the thickening of the pleural lining, which can restrict lung expansion, leading to breathing difficulties.
- Laryngeal Cancer: Some studies suggest a link between asbestos exposure and cancer of the larynx or voice box.
- Ovarian Cancer: There is evidence to suggest a possible link between asbestos exposure and ovarian cancer.
Occupations Affected by Asbestos-Containing Ducts
The use of asbestos-containing ducts, particularly in buildings constructed before the stricter regulations of the 1980s, has had a significant impact on various occupations. Workers in these fields may have been exposed to asbestos fibers, especially during installation, maintenance, renovation, or demolition activities.
Here are some of the key occupations affected:
- Boiler engineers
- Construction workers
- Demolition crews
- Electricians
- Firefighters
- HVAC engineers
- Insulators
- Metal workers
- Pipefitters
- Plumbers
- Steamfitters
- Steel and duct workers
- Teachers
It is important to note that exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. For individuals who worked in these occupations, particularly before the dangers of asbestos were widely recognized, health monitoring and regular medical check-ups are recommended to detect any potential asbestos-related diseases at an early stage.
Ducts Asbestos Exposure Compensation Options
The Asbestos and Lung Disease team at Bailey & Glasser, LLP, which operates across more than 40 states, has successfully secured over $90 million in combined verdicts and settlements for clients affected by asbestos exposure.
At Bailey & Glasser, LLP, we understand how devastating it is to find out that you or a loved one has mesothelioma. That’s why we offer a free, no-obligation consultation to talk about your potential options for the future. Get in touch today.
