Homes built before 1980 are likely to contain transit with asbestos, most often in chimney flues—the material-lined chimney flues in commercial buildings and residential homes. The purpose of the flue lining is to resist fire and keep heat from escaping.
Chimney flues were not the only flues that used transit with asbestos, however. Any venting flue, even connected to water heaters, furnaces, and other appliances, may contain asbestos, especially in older homes.
Asbestos is no longer used in chimneys and other venting flues; however, it may still be present in older homes. Renovation or construction work on the chimney and flue can expose asbestos, sending fibers into the air.
Even without renovation work, asbestos in older flues can harm residents. The lining material of the flue may deteriorate over time, causing blockages that in turn cause exhaust gases, along with asbestos fibers, to vent back into the home.
