Asbestos in air vents?

5 years ago

Hi. I am not sure if this is the best place to post, but hoping to get some recommendation. Had a construction done a few years ago when we also installed a new HVAC system. At the time, GC hired a remediation company and they were supposed to remove 3 air supply boots with asbestos. The registers itself were not replaced.

I reached out and they said "The asbestos is on the outside of the boots and did not communicate with the air flow. It poses very little, if any, risk to you".

I have been told they were in good condition and wouldn't pose a risk unless disturbed. But was taking a look recently and don't know if this is good condition, if it offers risks.

As you can see in the pictures, out of the 3 vents, only 1 has some kind of thin metal material, painted white. And it looks like there is some material stuck to it, as well as behind it. Could have asbestos. The register itself might have asbestos material in them.

A lot of houses in my area are also old (mine is 1940) and have similar registers/vents. Wondering for my family's health if I should get all of them replaced.

Do you have any thoughts on this?

Thank you for helping.

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Comments (5)

gigi121
5 years ago
I showed your pictures to my husband. He is a retired mechanical engineer who had primary responsibility for asbestos handling in a paper mill. He said the danger would be if any of the particles became airborne. After looking at your pictures, he recommended you hire someone who is certified in asbestos removal to test these registers. It’s what he would do for his family.
skuba
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks gigi121 for showing to your husband. So glad I spoted here. We have tested the register and it does have asbestos. I assume the GC at the time hired the asbestos company to remove only the supply boots, but not the registers, either because he didn't think they had asbestos or he judged it wasn't a risk. But I wish they had replaced the whole thing back then. Is the register itself a risk, or mostly if it's in the actual vent? I would really appreciate your husbands input on this.

Just I be paranoid that I have been living here for 7 years, running the heat during the winter?

Thanks
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gigi121
5 years ago
He said it’s fine as long as NO particles are being released as the air flows through the register. The problem is the particles are extremely small and impossible to see. So without an air test you won’t know if asbestos is being released. He said time to hire a professional- the risk is too great to ignore. He is passionate when he begins talking about the dangers of asbestos, proper removal and all he’s seen. I just had a 30 minute lecture-lol! Please keep us updated and good luck.
Jake The Wonderdog
5 years ago
I see asbestos tape in the 3rd from the bottom photo and the second from the top - on the right side. There may be more, but I can't really tell from the photos.

It's a problem if it's disturbed. I would say that should be professionally removed.
Matt L
4 years ago
What did you end up doing in your situation Skuba? Similar situation myself.