Understanding Asbestos
OK, So Does My Furnace Have Asbestos?
If your building’s heating system, furnace, HVAC system was installed after 1980; your heating system probably does not contain asbestos.
However, many contractors had asbestos containing building materials in their warehouses and these materials may have been used in your building.
THE ONLY SURE WAY IS TO TEST FOR BUILDINGS BUILT BETWEEN 1980 AND 1985.
Again, if your plans indicate the removal of bearing walls, you need a professional inspection before you start any type of construction. This is usually required by your building department for a perm
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals known for their heat resistance, strength, and insulating properties. These characteristics made asbestos a popular material in various construction and manufacturing industries, including furnace insulation.
The Use of Asbestos in Furnaces
The only way to know is asbestos is present to to test. Major usage of asbestos was banned in 1980. So if your building was built in 2010 it’s unlikely to contain asbestos. For this 2010 example you would only require an Asbestos Survey if you plan on removing a bearing wall.
Do not rely on the build date for accurate data on asbestos content in building materials.
Historically, asbestos was a go-to insulation material in furnaces due to its excellent thermal resistance. It prevented heat transfer, protecting adjacent materials from fire hazards. However, its health risks led to a significant decline in use.
Health Risks
Asbestos exposure is linked to severe respiratory conditions, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The risk escalates with the inhalation of asbestos fibers, which can occur when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed.
Asbestos becomes a health hazard when its fibers are released into the air, typically through disturbance or deterioration of asbestos-containing materials.
If the asbestos containing building material is not broken or disturbed, there will be no airborne asbestos. However if the asbestos-containing material is broken it is referred to as “friable” and asbestos fibers and airborne. Testing is the only way to know for sure what is in the air.
Identifying Asbestos
Common Locations for Asbestos in Furnaces
Asbestos might be present in older furnaces, particularly in insulation around heating elements, ducts, and flue pipes. The white/gray insulation, often found behind heat vents or floor grates, is a common suspect.
While visual inspection might hint at asbestos presence through specific insulation types or deteriorated materials, confirming its presence requires more than a mere look. Notably, intact asbestos poses less risk than its disturbed counterpart.
Importance of Professional Inspection
Due to health risks and identification challenges, seeking a professional for asbestos inspection is advisable. Experts use specialized methods, including air sampling, to detect asbestos accurately.
DIY Asbestos Testing: Pros and Cons
While DIY asbestos testing kits are available, their reliability and safety are debatable. The lack of specialized equipment and risk of exposure often outweigh the benefits.
Air sampling, conducted by professionals, stands as the definitive method for detecting asbestos. This approach ensures accurate identification and minimizes health risks.
Considering the health risks, asbestos removal is best left to professionals equipped with the necessary tools, knowledge, and protective measures to safely eliminate the hazard.
Steps in Professional Asbestos Removal
The process involves sealing the area, using air filtration devices, wetting the asbestos to prevent fiber release, carefully removing the material, and ensuring proper disposal.
Asbestos waste requires special handling and disposal in designated facilities to prevent environmental contamination and exposure risks.
Homeowners can minimize exposure risks by maintaining undisturbed asbestos in good condition and consulting professionals before renovations or demolitions.
Links
National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides an in-depth look at the health risks from asbestos exposure, including various cancers and diseases. It highlights the importance of dose, duration, and the type of asbestos fibers in determining health outcomes. Smoking is noted to significantly increase the risk of lung cancer in those exposed to asbestos (National Cancer Institute).
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) offers comprehensive details on the health effects of asbestos exposure. It discusses non-cancerous conditions such as pleural disease and the increased risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other cancers associated with asbestos exposure. Preventative measures and health advice for those concerned about exposure are also covered (ATSDR).
The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the global impact of asbestos exposure, stating that all forms of asbestos are carcinogenic. It emphasizes the substantial number of occupational and home exposure cases leading to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other serious health conditions. WHO also discusses the significant risk smoking poses when combined with asbestos exposure (World Health Organization (WHO)).
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides an overview of what asbestos is, where it can be found, and the health risks from exposure. This resource details how people can be exposed to asbestos and the major health effects, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. It also outlines what to do to protect your family from asbestos exposure (US EPA).
A CBC News report discusses the hidden risks of asbestos in old furnaces, noting that Health Canada banned its use in the early 1980s. However, many homes may still contain these hazards without any formal recall or public warning, underscoring the importance of awareness and proper handling (US EPA).
Asbestos Testing