Lung Cancer in HVAC Workers
Many heating, cooling, and ventilation (HVAC) systems used asbestos-containing products to help withstand high temperatures and lower the risk of fires. However, HVAC technicians who worked regularly with these materials are now at risk of lung cancer and other illnesses. We’re ready to help HVAC workers facing lung cancer.
Why Are Workers at Risk of HVAC-Related Lung Cancer?
HVAC technicians who worked decades ago could go on to develop lung cancer today due to asbestos exposure. Many older HVAC components contained asbestos, a known carcinogen, until the early 1980s.
Asbestos was popular because of its strength and affordability. Its fibers resist heat and corrosion, making it ideal for insulation and fireproofing. However, HVAC workers who breathed in or swallowed asbestos fibers released while working could get sick later in life.
Quick Facts on Asbestos HVAC Risks
- Common asbestos-containing materials used by HVAC workers included insulation, gaskets, wiring, and more.
- HVAC workers didn’t understand that asbestos was harmful, as manufacturers hid the health risks.
- Thousands of older HVAC systems across the country could still have asbestos components inside.
At Lung Cancer Group, we may be able to help if you or a loved one is facing an asbestos-related illness after serving as an HVAC worker. Get a free case review now to learn more.
- Access Financial Aid and Justice
- Learn About Your Options
- Contact Us for Free
Products Containing Asbestos in HVAC Systems
HVAC workers had to use asbestos-containing products every day as they built, repaired, and replaced heating and air conditioning systems.
Asbestos products that increased the risk of lung cancer in HVAC workers included:
- Adhesives
- Boilers
- Caulk
- Cooling systems
- Drywall
- Ducts
- Electrical wiring
- Floor tiles
- Insulation
- Joint compounds
- Paint
- Pipes
- Refrigeration components
- Shingles
Disturbing these materials by cutting, sanding, scraping, or removing them can release asbestos fibers into the air. Many HVAC workers also had to work in tight, poorly ventilated spaces like attics and basements. This made it more likely for them to breathe in or swallow asbestos fibers.
HVAC Jobs With a High Risk of Lung Cancer
Any HVAC worker could have been exposed to asbestos while on the job. However, specific occupations put technicians in danger of regular exposure.
Roles that increased the risk of lung cancer in HVAC workers include:
- HVAC engineers: Engineers who designed and developed HVAC components prior to the 1980s may have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials.
- Repairmen: Those called out to repair aging or damaged HVAC systems were at a very high risk of asbestos exposure.
- Support staff: Support staff, like instructors, sales reps, and managers, could have been exposed to asbestos in passing.
Asbestos was largely phased out of new HVAC systems by the early 1980s. However, for workers already exposed, it was too late. There’s no way to lower the odds of getting sick following asbestos exposure.
Asbestos-related illnesses take 10-50 years to form, so older or retired HVAC technicians could still be in danger today.
Instances of lung cancer in HVAC workers can be overwhelming, but we’re here for you. Call (877) 446-5767 now for help.
Modern-Day Risks of Lung Cancer in HVAC Workers
HVAC technicians need to be careful even today because asbestos could be lurking in older buildings and systems. This is especially dangerous because aging A/C units may have decaying or damaged components, easily releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
Without personal protective equipment (PPE), HVAC workers could be exposed without even fully knowing what happened — putting them at risk of lung cancer or related diseases later in life.
Secondary Asbestos Exposure Among Families of HVAC Technicians
Loved ones who lived with HVAC workers could’ve been exposed to asbestos, too. This is because HVAC technicians may have come home covered in dust and fibers. This routine secondary exposure puts their families in danger of getting sick.
Spouses, children, and other relatives have been able to trace back asbestos-related cases of lung cancer and other diseases to secondary exposure related to a loved one’s time in the HVAC industry.
HVAC Workers and Cancer Risks
Those who worked in the HVAC industry years ago are now at risk of many asbestos-related illnesses, such as lung cancer.
HVAC workers could develop asbestos-related diseases like:
- Asbestosis: The lungs weaken significantly due to asbestos damage. This isn’t cancer, but it can still be fatal.
- Lung cancer: Asbestos can cause HVAC-related lung cancer if you breathe in the fibers, as they can get trapped inside your body and cause harm. Your risk is greater if you smoked since asbestos worsens the effects of cigarette smoking.
- Mesothelioma: The only known cause of malignant mesothelioma is asbestos. It develops in the linings of your body’s major organs after exposure.
Asbestos-related illnesses like lung cancer in HVAC workers take a long time to develop, sometimes 50 years or more. Also, the symptoms of these diseases aren’t usually noticeable until they’ve progressed into serious stages.
If you’re worried about your risk but aren’t yet experiencing symptoms, ask your doctor about tests like lung cancer screenings that could help catch illnesses when they’re more easily treated.
Compensation for Lung Cancer in HVAC Workers
You could qualify for significant compensation if you’re facing asbestos-related lung cancer or another health problem after working as an HVAC technician. Financial payouts can help you afford treatment and other expenses that you’re facing.
You can access financial compensation from:
- Personal injury lawsuits: A mesothelioma or lung cancer lawsuit can help you seek money from negligent asbestos manufacturers. The average payout is over $1 million in mesothelioma cases.
- Asbestos trust fund claims: Dozens of companies have set up trust funds, and there’s more than $30 billion currently available. You could be eligible for money from trusts and lawsuits at the same time.
- VA benefits: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers many benefits if you served and later developed mesothelioma. These include over $4,000 in monthly compensation and free or inexpensive health care.
- Wrongful death lawsuits: You could get legal payouts on behalf of a deceased loved one. The average payout is over $1 million if someone you love died from mesothelioma.
At Lung Cancer Group, top law firms in our network are ready to help pursue compensation for cases of lung cancer in HVAC workers.
Get a free case review now to find out if you may be eligible to seek compensation if you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer or another serious lung disease after working as an HVAC technician.
- Access Financial Aid and Justice
- Learn About Your Options
- Contact Us for Free
Find Support for HVAC Workers With Lung Cancer
HVAC workers across the country risked exposure to asbestos every day, putting them in danger of developing lung cancer and other serious illnesses later in life.
At Lung Cancer Group, we stand ready to assist HVAC technicians and family members who have been impacted by a serious diagnosis.
Work with us to:
- Determine how you may have been exposed to asbestos
- Learn about health care options
- Pursue financial compensation
- Receive the support your family deserves
Call (877) 446-5767 or get a free case review now to find out more about how we may be able to help you after a diagnosis.
Lung Cancer in HVAC Workers FAQs
Which occupation is most at risk of getting lung cancer?
HVAC work is one of the highest-risk occupations for lung cancer. Many HVAC mechanics were exposed to pollutants while handling materials used on the job. One of the biggest dangers was asbestos.
HVAC ducts, wiring, and insulation were just a few of the many components that relied on asbestos. HVAC technicians may have also risked exposure to asbestos in buildings when installing or repairing air conditioning systems, as drywall, concrete, paint, and wall insulation all contained this toxin.
Many cases of lung cancer in HVAC workers have been linked back to on-the-job asbestos exposure.
Does bad air quality cause lung cancer?
Yes, bad air quality can cause lung cancer because you may be breathing in hazardous materials. For example, HVAC technicians often worked in cramped, dusty conditions when installing or repairing systems, inhaling asbestos and other toxic substances on a daily basis.
Many former HVAC technicians, as well as their loved ones, are now facing lung cancer as a result of the asbestos-contaminated air that they breathed in every day.
Call (877) 446-5767 for help exploring treatments and pursuing compensation for cases of lung cancer in HVAC workers.
What does the HVAC asbestos removal process involve?
To remove asbestos from an HVAC system, you’ll need to work with licensed abatement professionals. These contractors can safely determine if your system has HVAC products made with asbestos and remove them from your home.
In some cases, abatement professionals may recommend not removing the asbestos, but rather encapsulating it. While the asbestos will still be there, this step will prevent fibers from escaping and allow your family to stay safe. You can always request a quote for removal if you feel that encapsulation is not the best option.
Do not try to remove the asbestos yourself, as this could expose you and your loved ones and put you at risk of getting sick.
What are the risks of an asbestos HVAC duct?
Exposure to asbestos in HVAC ducts could put you or someone you love in danger of developing lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other serious illnesses later in life. Working to repair or maintain HVAC ductwork could release asbestos fibers into the air, and if you breathe them in, your lungs could suffer serious long-term damage.
If you know your home has asbestos HVAC ducts, the best thing to do is leave them alone and consult asbestos professionals who can help remove or safely seal away the material in question.
Contact us now if you or someone you love is a former HVAC worker now suffering from lung cancer. We may be able to help you access compensation for treatment or other expenses.
