Asbestos in Ductwork
Ductwork connectors in older HVAC systems often contained asbestos. Paper, tape and wraps used it to protect against heat and wear. These materials can create exposure risks for homeowners and workers. Asbestos exposure can lead to cancers like mesothelioma. Victims may be eligible for compensation.
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Why Was Asbestos Used in Ductwork Connectors?
Older ductwork connectors and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems often have asbestos for various reasons. Asbestos in air duct components helped these systems withstand heat and hold the metal ducts together. Asbestos-wrapped ducts also helped reduce vibrations and noise caused by the airflow through ducting. Asbestos was often used in these connectors for its fire resistance and durability.
The use of asbestos ductwork started in the early 1900s. One asbestos inspection documented use of asbestos ductwork in a home built in 1927. Heating ducts continued using asbestos connectors until the 1980s when regulations started to take effect.
Asbestos Ductwork Connectors History at a Glance
- Other Names: Canvas duct connectors, duct adhesive, duct blankets, duct dampeners, duct sealer, duct tape, duct wrap, ductwork tape, fabric duct connector, flexible duct connectors, paper duct insulation, tape duct connector, vinyl or rubber-coated connectors
- Years of Manufacture: Early 1900s – 1980s
- Places Used: HVAC systems
- Asbestos Use Banned: Chrysotile asbestos was banned for new uses in 2024, but some old ductwork connectors may still contain asbestos
- Noteworthy Brands: Celotex Corporation, Duro Dyne Corporation, H.B. Fuller, Johns-Manville
Ducts run throughout buildings and homes to move heated or cooled air to different rooms. HVAC systems contained asbestos in many different components and duct materials.
- Asbestos tape was often used to seal and connect ductwork because of its strength and flexibility. This tape was used as a sealant or wrap around the ducts. Research suggests asbestos ductwork tape could contain 15% or more chrysotile asbestos.
- Duct insulation on the interior and exterior of HVAC systems could contain asbestos. For instance, asbestos paper duct insulation may be used on duct exteriors.
- Pipe insulation often contained chrysotile asbestos. Homes and buildings could contain different types of pipe insulation, including asbestos pipe lagging and corrugated paper asbestos insulation.
- Vibration dampeners helped limit noise and vibrations caused by the airflow. As a result, asbestos duct wrap and asbestos textiles, like coarse, woven fabric, might have been used to connect ductwork.
Many older homes, buildings and schools may have HVAC systems constructed with asbestos parts. If the asbestos duct connectors become damaged, they can spread the asbestos through the air. As a result, anyone who lives or works in these buildings may be at risk of exposure.
Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer and other diseases.
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List of Asbestos Ductwork Connectors
Manufacturers produced different types of ductwork connectors and other HVAC system components. Companies often wove asbestos into fabrics and tape used to seal the ducts. The mineral made these products more durable, heat resistant and flexible.
Starting at least by the 1930s, companies sold asbestos-containing HVAC flexible duct connectors and sealers. For example, Duro Dyne Corporation produced duct connectors and duct sealers that contained chrysotile asbestos fibers. Some of its ductwork connectors known to contain asbestos include:
- Duro Dyne Duct Sealer
- Duro-Metal-Fab Flexible Duct Connectors
- Econ-O-Fab Flexible Duct Connectors
- Junior Flexible Duct Connectors
Other companies also produced asbestos ductwork materials and HVAC components. Companies like Celotex Corporation and H.B. Fuller used asbestos in their HVAC duct connectors and sealers. For instance, Celotex Carey Duct Adhesive was known to contain asbestos from 1940 to 1955. Some other examples of asbestos duct products include:
- Celotex Carey Asbestos Insulating Ducts
- Celotex Carey Duct Adhesive
- Celotex Carey Insulation Duct
- H.B. Fuller Duct Sealer 32-04
Various manufacturers produced asbestos ductwork connectors. Some of these companies also made other asbestos products for duct systems. Asbestos ductwork tape and asbestos ductwork wrap were also popular.
Manufacturers that used asbestos in their products put factory workers at risk of exposure. HVAC workers, homeowners and others also risked exposure to friable asbestos.
- Celotex Corporation
- Duro Dyne Corporation
- Georgia-Pacific Corporation
- Grant Wilson
- H.B. Fuller
- Johns-Manville
- Nicolet
- Rich Tex Inc.
- Turner & Newall
- W.R. Grace
Did You Know?
Corporate documents show that asbestos companies knew the products they made were dangerous.
Speak with a lawyer today about filing a mesothelioma claim against these irresponsible companies.
Who Is at Risk of Asbestos Exposure From Ductwork Connectors?
Many people may be at risk of asbestos exposure from duct connectors and HVAC systems. But HVAC workers have a high risk of occupational exposure because they often work directly with the materials. HVAC workers risk exposure from other building materials, such as ceiling tiles, popcorn ceilings and insulation.
The risk HVAC workers face extends to homeowners. For example, any asbestos duct connector may become worn or damaged. This can lead to people inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers.
Workers and homeowners should be cautious of these materials. For homeowners, licensed asbestos professionals should perform a thorough examination of older HVAC systems. HVAC workers should follow guidelines and safety protocols for handling asbestos.
- Assemblers
- Boiler workers
- Construction workers
- Demolition crews
- Electricians
- Firefighters
- HVAC workers
- Insulators
- Maintenance staff
- Metal workers
- Pipefitters
- Plumbers
- Steamfitters
- Teachers
Asbestos Lawsuits, Settlements & Other Compensation
Anyone exposed to asbestos ductwork connectors risks developing mesothelioma. Those diagnosed may be eligible for compensation through lawsuits or other claims. An attorney can help victims understand their options.
For instance, victims may be eligible to file asbestos lawsuits against the manufacturers whose products caused their exposures.
A California man developed peritoneal mesothelioma after 50 years of working with sheet metal. During his career, he handled Duro Dyne Corporation’s flexible duct connectors. The man and his wife filed a lawsuit against the company and other asbestos manufacturers. The jury awarded the couple $1.9 million.
Individuals may also be eligible for other claims, such as an asbestos trust fund claim. An experienced asbestos attorney can help victims diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. These attorneys have access to product information and can help gather details needed for the case. They can also explain victims’ legal options and handle the filing process.
Financial compensation can help mesothelioma victims and their loved ones. This compensation can cover treatment expenses, lost income and other related costs.
Safely Removing Asbestos Ductwork Connectors
Only a trained asbestos abatement professional should remove asbestos ductwork connectors. This is important because these materials pose exposure risks when handled. For example, asbestos tape and flexible duct connectors can easily release asbestos dust into the air when damaged or worn. Asbestos professionals have the experience and equipment to handle asbestos safely.
When working on HVAC systems, abatement professionals should shut off and isolate the system first. Isolating the HVAC system seals the ducts and vents. This keeps asbestos fibers from circulating during remediation.
A hazardous material and environmental testing company found asbestos HVAC components in a 1,000-square-foot home built in 1927. Materials included fibrous duct tape and white boards used for insulation.
Analysis of the duct tape showed it contained 90% chrysotile asbestos. Analysis of the white boards showed it had 85% chrysotile asbestos. These high percentages suggest any damage or wear and tear to these products could easily cause asbestos to become airborne. This put anyone in the vicinity of such products, such as homeowners and HVAC workers, at risk of exposure.
Government agencies have asbestos regulations to help protect these professionals, other workers and the public from exposure.
The EPA suggests caution when cleaning air ducts. Asbestos in air ducts can happen when duct connections use contaminated components. Before cleaning, the EPA recommends having a professional inspection of the HVAC system for asbestos-containing materials. If testing finds asbestos, an abatement team can resolve the contamination.
Sources
Asbestos123.com. Asbestos In Ductwork Connectors And Flexible Fasteners.
Flickr. Another Vintage Asbestos Textile HVAC Duct Vibration Dampener.
Hawk Environmental Services, Inc. ASBESTOS CAN BE HIDDEN INSIDE YOUR AIR DUCTS.
InspectAPedia. Asbestos HVAC Ducts & Furnaces.
InspectAPedia. Asbestos Paper Wrap on Air Ducts.
NJ Department of Health. ASBESTOS: A GUIDE FOR NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 1926.1101 App F – Work practices and engineering controls for Class I Asbestos Operations – non-mandatory.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. EPA Actions to Protect the Public from Exposure to Asbestos.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?
Legal Rights for Mesothelioma Victims
Tara Strand specializes in writing content about mesothelioma and asbestos. She focuses on topics like mesothelioma awareness, research, treatment, asbestos trust funds and other advocacy efforts.
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For more than two decades, Jennifer Lucarelli has served as Legal Advisor at Mesothelioma.com. She has advocated for more than 1,000 asbestos victims, securing millions in settlements and helping them access quality medical care.