I have learned that Bakelite insulating is phenol and formaldehyde with
embedded asbestos. Does anyone have any Bakelite insulation in any of
their vintage computers?
I wonder whether it was the word "insulation" that triggered this
ridiculous inquiry.
To many people, "insulation" means the stuff that is blown into cavities
in walls for thermal insulation. Asbestos used to be preferred, because
it would also make the structure less flammable. (or is that
"inflammable"?) It has/had a tendency to get airborne, and to contain
asbestos. Breathing THAT can be a serious worry.
The bakelite "insulation" is hard chunks of [usually] black plastic. It
was one of, if not THE, first commercially available plastics.
It has a very high electrical resistance, so is a good "insulator". Used
to be used a lot for switch bodies, etc.
To the best of my very limited knowledge, it is not powders, etc. blown
into spaces. It is never airborne, unless you throw it at somebody.
NOBODY gets it in their lungs from their computer; NOBODY gets lung cancer
from it.
(not counting workers in factories where they MANUFACTURED it)
Cancer from asbestos is in the lungs. Asbestos, if NOT entered into the
lungs, is harmless, and was quite common in old plumbing. Nobody gets
cancer from drinking it. (cf. scare tactic used to close down Reserve
Mining)
--
Grumpy Ol' Fred
