A reader's Asbestos question: Asbestos-lagging?

Shane R.   from   JEROMESVILLE, OH , United States   had this asbestos-lagging question.

I JUST RENTED AN OLD HOUSE, THAT ALL THE FURNACE DUCT WORK IS WRAPPED WITH A WHITE, CLOTHY-PAPER LIKE TAPE. IT LOOKS TO ME LIKE ASBESTOS TAPE. IT IS IN VERY BAD SHAPE, COMING OFF IN STRIPS, HANGING OFF OF THE DUCTS. I SAID SOMETHING TO THE LANDLORD, HE SAID HE WOULD COVER IT WITH DUCT TAPE. THATS NOT GOOD IS IT? ESPECIALLY WHEN ITS ALL DRIED, COMING OFF. 'M SURE IF ITS BEEN AIRBORNE, IT HAS BEEN FOR A LONG TIME. BUT SHOULD IT BE REMOVED? NEW DUCT WORK INSTALLED? SHOULD THE LANDLORD TAKE CARE OF THIS? IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO IF HE DOES NOT? THANK YOU
SHANE R

Bill's reply

Hi Shane, I would say don't touch it, or try to tape it up yourself. You need to get it identified! Full stop.
I don't want to sound alarmist, but the type of furnace lagging that you describe, in my experience is usually the most dangerous and it should always covered with an outer sheet metal ducting type cover to protect it.

If it is friable asbestos you need to know and it has to be fixed!

Number one, write a letter to your landlord as soon as possible.

1. State that you have grave concerns that the material may contain friable asbestos.
2. Date the letter.
3. Get it in writing and keep a copy.
4. It is his duty to have it checked and fixed if necessary.
5. If you have or can borrow a camera take photos.

If you get no response from him or he is slow, then I'd say contact you local authorities that handle asbestos. Maybe it will be OSHA. Let them take it over. Again find out who is in charge with dealing with asbestos and put it in writing. Phone calls can be denied.

Best of luck with it Shane, it may be a perfectly safe material, but in a case like this it is definitely better to be safe than sorry.