Ducts are used in Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems to supply or remove air and maintain air quality and air temperature. HVAC ductwork is often lined with a fiber board material that resists the flow of heat in the ducts.

Heating ducts are part of an HVAC system and may be comprised of insulation and heat guards, or a duct cover that provides additional insulation. Until the 1980s, these HVAC products were commonly manufactured using asbestos fibers, as this material is naturally resistance to high temperatures.

HVAC Ductwork Insulation

HVAC ductwork present in residential homes and commercial buildings is used to reduce humidity levels and control carbon monoxide levels. Ductwork insulation is commonly made of rigid fiber board that consists of fiberglass or mineral wool.

Asbestos fibers were commonly added to these materials to add strength and fire resistance. Ductwork is commonly placed in the following home locations:

Attics
Crawl spaces
Garages
Unfinished basements

Insulation is typically applied to ducts after ductwork has been installed and can be used on the duct exterior. The fiber board may also be covered with insulating cement, canvas or weatherproof mastic or joint sealant.

HVAC ductwork insulation may fray or tear over time and release asbestos fibers into the air. Contract workers who install, remove or repair ductwork insulation may be exposed to asbestos. People living in homes or working in buildings with asbestos HVAC insulation may also breathe in or ingest the fibers.

Heat Guards and Heat Ducting

Heating ducts may be present in different types of heating systems such as:

Central heating
Boilers
Furnaces
Heat pumps
Forced air systems
Radiators
Vents

Asbestos fibers were woven inside insulation material, which keeps the air that flows throughout the heating system warm. Pipes and ductwork manufactured during the early 1900s may be made out of transite, a type of cement that contains asbestos.

Heating ducts may be present in furnace rooms located in residential homes or in mechanical rooms in commercial buildings. Heat guards are placed on heating ducts to cover the area and act as an additional method of insulation. This helps maintain the internal temperature within the machinery.

Asbestos fibers inside the ductwork cement may be disturbed if sawed, cut, broken or sanded. The insulation material may also wear down over time and become friable. Ductwork and insulation that is whole and intact is not considered to be a health hazard, but products that are damaged or disturbed may pose health risks.

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The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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