Chimney sweeps are exposed to various health risks due to the nature of their work, which often involves cleaning and maintaining chimneys. One of these risks is exposure to asbestos, a material that was commonly used in the past in building materials, including some flue linings.
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos through your work as a chimney sweep, reach out to Bailey & Glasser, LLP, to discuss your options.
How are Chimney Sweeps at Risk?
In older buildings, chimney sweeps may encounter asbestos in insulation materials, old flue linings, and other areas around chimneys. When these materials are disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and inhaled, posing a health risk.
Modern safety standards and regulations often require professionals to take specific precautions when working in environments where asbestos might be present. However, these safety precautions are relatively new, and with asbestos exposure taking decades to cause health issues, many chimney sweeps of the past may have been exposed and only now see the harm it caused.
Asbestos Sources
Chimney sweeps may encounter several specific sources of asbestos during their work, particularly in older buildings where asbestos was commonly used in construction materials. Some of these sources include:
- Asbestos-containing plaster and mortar: In some older buildings, plaster and mortar used around the chimney area may contain asbestos.
- Cement chimneys: Asbestos cement was sometimes used in chimney construction. When these chimneys are repaired, demolished, or maintained, asbestos fibers can become airborne.
- Fireproofing materials: Asbestos was commonly used in fireproofing materials found in and around fireplaces and chimneys.
- Gaskets and seals: In older heating systems, gaskets and seals containing asbestos might have been used. These can be disturbed during chimney maintenance.
- Insulation materials: Asbestos was widely used in insulation materials, including those surrounding chimneys. If this insulation is disturbed or damaged, it can release asbestos fibers.
- Old flue linings: Asbestos was often used in flue linings due to its heat-resistant properties. These linings can deteriorate over time, and during cleaning or repair, asbestos fibers can be released into the air.
- Roofing materials: Asbestos was also used in some roofing materials near chimney structures. Any disturbance of these materials can lead to asbestos exposure.
- Ventilation pipes: Some old ventilation pipes in and around chimney structures might be made from asbestos-containing materials.
Manufacturers of Asbestos-Containing Chimney Sweep Equipment
- Celotex: Celotex manufactured insulation and construction materials, such as insulated sheathing, corrugated asbestos cement, and flat asbestos cement used for roofing.
- Johns Manville: Johns Manville made insulation, fireproofing materials, and asbestos cement widely used by chimney sweeps.
- GAF/Ruberoid: Produced fireplace insulation, specifically Hearth-Glow Brick Boards. Also, an artificial brick wallpaper called Brick-Strip Paper.
- Nebel Products Manufacturing Co.: Produced asbestos furnace cement commonly used to install chimney collars to protect the chimney from storms and other debris.
- Rutland: The company focused on creating products to control the build-up of creosote in coal and wood-fired chimneys and stoves.
- Selkirk Metalbestos: Selkirk made and distributed a factory-built chimney containing asbestos.
- Sherwin-Williams Paint Company: This company specialized in industrial products and building materials, including an asbestos mortar called Brick and Stucco Buff.
- Van-Packer Company: Part of the Flintkote Company, Van-Packer made asbestos cement insulation used in chimneys.
Final Thoughts
If you’re concerned that your role as a chimney sweep has led to asbestos exposure and related health issues, reach out to Bailey & Glasser, LLP, for an initial free consultation. Our team, experienced in advocating for mesothelioma patients and their families, understands the intense impact of mesothelioma and the uncertainties it causes, and we are committed to helping you navigate your situation.
