Asbestos is common in chimneys, furnaces, and wood stoves in homes and other buildings constructed before 1980.[1] Asbestos resists fire and heat, making it useful for insulation in heat sources like stoves and furnaces.[2] Originally used to make homes safer, these materials may release asbestos fibers and cause harmful exposure to chimney sweeps and technicians as well as homeowners.
Transite Asbestos in Chimneys
Many chimney flues from fireplaces built in the past contained a material called transite.[3] This was a brand of asbestos-containing cement material created by Johns Manville.
Transite was originally a brand name, but the term became a common word for any similar material. Originally, transite was made with cement mixed with 10% to 50% asbestos. Asbestos in transite was phased out by 1980.
Homes built before 1980 are likely to contain transite with asbestos, most often in chimney flues. Asbestos transite lined chimney flues in commercial buildings and residential homes. The purpose of the flue lining is to resist fire and keep heat from escaping.
Chimney flues were not the only flues that used transite with asbestos, however. Any venting flue, even connected to water heaters, furnaces, and other appliances, may contain asbestos, especially in older homes.[3]
Other Asbestos Products Associated with Fireplaces
Transite flues were a major source of asbestos exposure, but at the other end of the chimney, fireplace parts also contained asbestos:
- Artificial gas logs
- Artificial embers
- Artificial ash
- Asbestos insulating paper
- Asbestos cement
- Firebricks
- Mortar
- Fireplace inserts
- Insulation
Are Homeowners at Risk of Exposure to Asbestos in Chimney Flues?
Although asbestos is no longer used in chimneys and other venting flues, it may still be present in older homes. Renovation or construction work on the chimney and flue can expose asbestos, sending fibers into the air.
Even without renovation work, asbestos in older flues can harm residents. The flue’s lining material may deteriorate over time, causing blockages. Chimney flue blockages cause exhaust gases and asbestos fibers to vent back into the home.
If you live in an older home and use the fireplace, you should have your chimney inspected. If the transite is intact, it doesn’t pose much risk. If it is deteriorating, an asbestos professional can remove it or seal it in place.
Asbestos Exposure in Chimney Sweeps
The professionals who clean soot, creosote, and other debris from chimneys and flues are at risk of asbestos exposure from old transite. Chimney sweeps should be trained to inspect and clean chimneys safely, but wherever asbestos persists, there is a risk.
Chimney sweeps who worked in the past when asbestos was more common had much higher risks of exposure. Today, they are less likely to encounter asbestos, are more aware of the risks, and have proper safety gear, including respirators.
Furnaces and Asbestos Materials
Furnaces are also a potential source of asbestos in older heating systems. It is not just the venting flue that may contain this material. Several types of material containing asbestos were used to insulate furnaces and protect surrounding walls. These materials include:
- Millboard
- Cement sheet
- Transite materials
- Asbestos paper
- Asbestos tape
Before 1980, furnace gaskets also contained asbestos. Gaskets are rings that connect two materials to prevent leaks. Furnace gaskets contained asbestos to prevent heat from leaking out.
Furnace doors were often lined with asbestos materials. Vents and ducts leading to and from furnaces may also have been insulated with asbestos.
Asbestos materials can be dangerous today because heat from the furnace can cause asbestos to become friable over time. Friable means the asbestos can easily crumble, causing fibers to become airborne. Since friable asbestos is particularly dangerous, it should be removed by a trained asbestos abatement professional.[4]
Asbestos in Wood-Burning Stoves
Another asbestos source in heating systems of older homes is the wood-burning stove. In addition to ducts and the flue used to vent gases, asbestos may be found in components of the stove itself.
It may also be found in insulating material around it. Also, a wood stove may have millboard, cement sheet, or asbestos paper and tape for insulating and fireproofing.[2]
Older stoves may also have asbestos in door gaskets. Wood-burning stoves with cooktop surfaces may contain asbestos in their pads and trivets.
The heat of the stove can cause insulating asbestos to become friable; therefore, asbestos-containing wood stoves should be inspected and abated by trained asbestos professionals.
Identifying Asbestos in Home Heating Systems
Identifying asbestos is problematic and potentially dangerous for homeowners. Determining whether or not you have asbestos materials in your chimney flue, furnace, or wood stove is a task best left to trained professionals.
Every state has its own licensing and training requirements for asbestos professionals, so check for a local professional. If your house was built before 1980, assume asbestos is likely and hire a professional to be sure.
Asbestos Abatement in Heating Systems
Finding asbestos in your heating systems does not mean your family is in imminent danger. Well-contained asbestos that has not become friable poses no real risk. However, if a professional inspects your home and finds friable asbestos, you might want to have it abated.
Abatement does not necessarily mean removal. Whether it is most practical to remove the asbestos depends on the type and condition of the asbestos.
Your professional can determine if removal is the best option. The alternative is asbestos containment. If containment is the route you take, be sure to have it regularly inspected for damage or deterioration.[5]
Asbestos can cause many worries, especially if it is in and around the elements that heat your home and vent gases. With a professional’s inspection and abatement, asbestos materials should not pose a significant health hazard.
This is particularly important if you plan renovations or repairs. Having the inspection done first is crucial and could prevent your family from being exposed to harmful asbestos fibers.
If you were exposed to asbestos in your home and got sick as a result, a mesothelioma lawyer could help you determine if you have a case to seek compensation. You may be able to sue the product manufacturer or seek payments from an asbestos trust.
