Asbestos Identification

Empire_2

I looked a warm air job thtat has a wrap of an off white material on the heat runs. Looks like the thickness of a paper towel in thickness. Does anyone have an Idea what it is or isn't? All replies appreciated, Mike T. Befor I send a sample out to test I thought I'd get any opinions.

Harvey_8

Asbestos

How old is the installation? If it was done in the 60's, and 70's, odds are it's asbestos especially if it has a gauze like look that is real thin around the ducts. I never could understand what thermal value this thin wrap has or had. There is another application called Kelso, not sure of the spelling, but that's usually thicker and commonly seen on HW piping. If you can, take a picture of it and post on here. There's alot of professionals in this forum who i'm sure could help identify it.

Empire_2

Thanks Harvey

Gauz in thickness, but solid like a "Paper Towel". Literally... I think not, but I would rather be safe than sorry. Posted a pic. See what ya think.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Microscopic analysis is the only way to know for sure but from your description and photo it sure sounds like the stuff I've had verified as containing asbestos. VERY common around here on the outside of older air ducts--particularly those that were originally gravity warm air systems.

Empire_2

Thanx Michael

I will send in for testing. Like I said, my guy's are worth more to me than any test could ever cost!!!

Firedragon_4

Even if it was calcium silicate paper it's

not considered 'kosher' anymore.

Check this out:

info

J.C.A._3

WOW Mr.Dragon....

The first page only covered from A-C....

I bet there's a whole lot O' stuff out there that hasn't (yet) been named too! I saw a show on the History Channel not too long ago that said there were something like 7000 products using asbestos in their makeup that have been identified....to date. It was pretty much used "willy-nilly" until the late 70's, and could be in anything from pipewrap to flooring, to siding.

Funny thing that was stated right upfront on the program was that even the Egyptians knew of breathing problems associated with this type of product.

Advice to all, get it checked! Any questions should lead to a lab analysis...just to be sure. If asbestos is gonna kill me, I'm already dead. I remember mixing it as chamber material and boiler covering in 55 gallon drums . Sometimes we couldn't even see the boiler with all the dust in the room. Can't reverse that! Chris

Firedragon_4

I know what you

mean Chris! I remember wading in it as all apprentices back then, it was just part of 'the job'.

I still have a full breathing test including chest x-rays and a test called a spirometry done every two years. The fact I smoked for 15 years around the stuff only makes it more urgent. Anyone who has been around this stuff in any way should DEMAND it from your doctor, FACT!

For you pipefitters and oilmen out there: how many of you know that both fueloil and cutting oil are being investigated as carcinogens?

J.C.A._3

To quote a line from \"Airplane\".....

"But Shayna, they bought their tickets, they knew what they were getting themselves into, I say let em' die!"

I was also heavily exposed while serving for my country and they didn't say BOO about it. We really DIDN"T know and now we'll just have to accept the consequences, however unwillingly. sometimes....Time doesn't heal ALL wounds! Chris

bob young

asbestos cloth

Looks like asbestos cloth . used for pipe covering, fire protection when brazing or welding & lead wiping. came in huge rolls. must have used a million feet of it in the shipyards on new ships. when welding we sometimes wrapped it around our arms and secured with duct tape. those were the days.

Rodney Summers

My read?

Its ceramic fibre and fine!

But, you must be a certified micropocist to be certain.

Don't take any chances.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Geo_5

asbestos brake pads

Let's not forget those guys.