Ducts are used to circulate air through a system of pipes and channels in homes or buildings. This air system is used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Ductwork connectors are inserted in between ductwork and other machinery and reduce vibration and noise within the duct system.

Asbestos materials may be contained in the following types of ductwork material:

Metal
Vinyl
Plastic
Corrugated paper
Fiberglass
Flexible ducting

Ductwork connectors were often made with asbestos fibers during the mid-1940s and 1950s. Asbestos fibers that have been emitted into air may cause health hazards in those who have been exposed.

Ductwork Connectors and Flexible Ductwork Connector

Some asbestos-containing ductwork is comprised of pipes and metal ductwork made with asbestos fibers, and certain sections of ductwork may also be wrapped in cellulose asbestos or air-cell insulation. Duct systems are often located in the following building spaces:

Attic
Attached garage
Floor cavity
Crawl space
Unheated basement
Drop-down ceilings
Mechanical rooms
Vertical chases

Flexible ductwork connectors are thin strips of flexible material and are designed to fit into ductwork of varying sizes. This product is typically made of a fabric such as canvas and is installed between duct fans to reduce rattling that may occur in the ventilation and air system. Flexible ductwork connectors may also be applied in high to low pressure conditions.

If ductwork or the ductwork connectors are cut, repaired, installed or disturbed in other ways, asbestos fibers may be released into the air. Asbestos ductwork or wrapping that has worn down over time due to heat or age may allow fibers to become friable, or easily crumbled into dust or small particles.

Once airborne, the asbestos fibers may be easily circulated throughout a building or home by way of the ductwork system. Contractors, workers, homeowners or those who work in buildings with asbestos ductwork may be exposed to asbestos.

Removing Asbestos Ductwork or Flexible Connectors

Homeowners who think their home may contain asbestos ductwork may perform the following to remove the duct connectors:

Take a sample from the ducts and send for testing
Use the required safety equipment
Enclose the area thought to have asbestos materials
Contain asbestos materials in proper disposal bags

Many people choose to hire asbestos abatement experts to help remove asbestos materials. Only certified, licensed asbestos experts may be permitted to remove asbestos ductwork or flexible ductwork connectors.

Ductwork and Mesothelioma

Airborne asbestos fibers emitted from worn out or cut ductwork may be inhaled or ingested and may become caught in the thin lining of the organs. Once in the body, the fibers may not be dislodged and may cause irritation and inflammation. Prolonged irritation may cause serious health conditions such as mesothelioma.

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© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center | Last Modified Tuesday, December 20th, 2011 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sponsored by a law firm concentrating in asbestos litigation, The Peterson Firm, LLP with offices at 1350 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington DC 20036.