It’s been 40-plus years since contractors stopped using asbestos when building homes, schools and businesses.

But some asbestos may yet be lurking in your home, left behind before people realized it can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and other lung issues. Fibers from asbestos can penetrate your lungs, setting off life-threatening diseases.

If you do find asbestos, do NOT touch it lest you inhale asbestos fibers. Left alone, asbestos probably won’t endanger your health. Meanwhile, call an asbestos removal service for professional advice.

For decades asbestos was a popular element in construction and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems because it was a proven fire-retardant. But its use sharply dropped after it was shown to be toxic.

HVAC asbestos

In your HVAC system, you may find asbestos tape, which was used to keep air inside the air duct connectors. The problem comes when the tape deteriorates and papery white pieces of asbestos get into the air.

The Environmental Protection Agency notes that hot water and steam pipes many years ago were coated with asbestos material or an asbestos blanket. Asbestos was used on furnaces and other HVAC-related items such as liners, furnace cement and insulation, the EPA said.

Again, this is not a concern for newer homes, but for buildings 40 years or older. An experienced HVAC contractor can determine if asbestos is an issue in your home and refer you to a qualified asbestos removal expert.

HVAC problems in NYC? Call Premier. We serve Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Long Island. Licensed and insured.