Kiwick, there was insulation in some (very few, but some) american radios, they called it asbestos. I've only had two sets out of the approximatly 100+ radios I've owned that had this insulation(needles to say the sets don't have insulation any more). With all the hazmat I've been in contact with I would not be surprized if I start glowing in the dark Before I hit 25.
Tom C.