Asbestos in Duct Wrap
If you have been exposed to duct wrap that contain asbestos, you may be at risk of developing asbestos related diseases including mesothelioma.
What is duct wrap?
Duct wrap is used to insulate HVAC systems against heating and cooling losses. Duct wrap is crucial for cutting energy use and costs and also gives protection against grease fires in commercial kitchens. Because of its low cost and excellent insulation and flame-retardant properties, asbestos was used in duct insulation until it was prohibited from most commercial applications in the 1980s. If you have an older HVAC system, there is a good chance that it is covered with asbestos duct wrap.
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Should you be concerned about asbestos exposure?
As with all construction or home remodeling projects, if you suspect that you have duct wrap made from asbestos, handle with care! Asbestos duct wrap poses minimal risk if it is intact and in good condition. But if it has become friable (torn, worn, and/or peeling), asbestos duct wrap poses a serious health hazard. If you are planning to remove duct wrap that might contain asbestos, make sure you that you take steps to protect yourself by hiring a professional asbestos removal company.
Airborne asbestos is extremely dangerous. Its microscopic fibers can become embedded in the lung or stomach lining, and are almost impossible for the body to expel like other particles. Over time, these embedded fibers irritate and then scar vital organs. Once your organs are scared, a wide range of asbestos related diseases can develop – from asbestosis to mesothelioma, a rare but usually fatal form of cancer. Contrary to widespread belief, you do not have to be exposed to asbestos over long periods to develop asbestos related diseases.
Due to its long latency period, health issues related to asbestos exposure can appear many years after the exposure occurred. Often mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases have latency periods of two decades or more.
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural, accounting for about 75% of all cases. When a patient has pleural mesothelioma, symptoms include:
* Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
* Mild to severe pain in the chest, abdomen, shoulder, arm or lower back
Exposed to asbestos? Contact a mesothelioma lawyer today
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease from workplace or home exposure to asbestos, contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer immediately. Mesothelioma attorneys have helped thousands of mesothelioma patients win compensation for lost wages and medical costs.
Asbestos companies knew of the risks of asbestos exposure for decades before the public knew. There are avenues to compensation for their criminal actions. Asbestos attorneys can help.