Asbestos

ASBESTOS IN HEATING COMPONENTS

In many older homes asbestos can be seen on the air ducts, hot water or steam radiator pipes and on the exterior of the heating furnace or boiler. A sheet of asbestos acting as a heat shield is often visible above the furnace or boiler.

Asbestos tape will look like a (wide) white or gray duct tape, usually used on the joints on the duct work. On steam or hot water heating systems, it will be in the form of padded jacket type insulation with a white canvas type exterior. Metal rings or clips are usually found at the end of each length or piece. The asbestos around the boiler or furnace looks like a plaster or smooth stucco.

Care should be taken not to disturb these types of insulation. Disturbing them would cause asbestos fibers to become airborne. The fibers are very light and float easily in the air.

Temporary remedies:

• Paint over the asbestos  (using care not to let the brush become dry) with a semi gloss oil-based paint to encapsulate the fibers.
  Do not use latex paint.
• Encapsulate (enclose) in radiant heat barrier (a foil type insulation) or for small areas enclose using foil type tape.

If removal of the asbestos or the heating system becomes necessary, a licensed, EPA approved contractor must do the work. Some limited removal can be done by a homeowner - we would recommend checking with the EPA for guide lines.

NOTE: Breathing of asbestos fibers can be detrimental to your health. Asbestos fibers entering the lungs damage the respiratory system.

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