Asbestos Found in Pipe Insulation

Asbestos was once the preferred material for building purposes, be it in the home or ships or elsewhere. It is a natural mineral that was mined in the US since the late 1800s. Owing to excellent fire retardant properties, asbestos was used for insulation, roofing, fireproofing, and soundproofing. Only much later was the link between asbestos and mesothelioma discovered, and the use of the material was banned in 1990.

Almost 200 years of use of asbestos cannot be simply wiped away, and asbestos remains in our midst in many products dating back to the period when it was prolifically used. One of these is Pipe Insulation which is a component of the heating and cooling systems in many structures, including public offices and houses. Since we now recognize the hazards of using asbestos, removing the product from our midst assumes prime importance.

Asbestos Exposure from Pipe Insulation

There is no denying the fact that a very large number of buildings exist that were constructed in the period when asbestos was a favored material in the building industry. As such, many products containing asbestos are found in these buildings, and pipe insulation is one of them. Pipe insulation is a part of the air delivery systems and therefore, it is especially detrimental to retain.

Pipe Insulation Containing Asbestos Fibers

When pipe insulation gets damaged, tiny particles of asbestos fiber get released in the air. These are inhaled and easily become lodged in the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen. These strands cause irritation and inflammation and after many, many years they turn cancerous. Asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma are not easy to diagnose and there is no known cure for them presently.

Asbestos Pipe Insulation Removal

The work of removing the pipe insulation is best delegated to professionals. No matter who does it, following EPA guidelines is a must, such as:

• Wear disposable tyvek type coveralls, a respirator with purple coded HEPA filters, eye protection, disposable rubber gloves, and pull on rubber boots.
• Turn off the water heater and as much of the electricity in the room as you can.
• Thoroughly wet the insulation with a mixture of dish detergent and water.
• Put all asbestos pipe insulation removal waste into properly labeled asbestos disposal bags.
• Wipe down the area where the insulation was with wet rags to remove residue.
• Apply some latex paint or other encapsulation material to lock any remaining asbestos to the surface.

Pictures of Pipe Insulation with Asbestos