Asbestos in a Zenith C845? Other dangers?

[fltyrap]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here, and I just acquired a Zenith C845 in great condition. I opened up the cabinet back last night and was surprised at how unbelievably dirty and dusty it was. So, of course I pulled off the knobs, then unbolted and removed the chassis. This is in the apartment I share with my girlfriend.

Well, she had a fit. It smelled, she said. Then she asked, "Is there anything dangerous in there? What about asbestos?"

Good question, and one I can't believe I didn't think of asking myself as someone new to old radios. I looked in the cabinet and didn't see any sheets attached to the cabinet, so sighed a bit of relief. Then, just to be sure, I looked under the chassis.

The C845 has a small square piece of foam, about 1.5"x1.5" and about 3/4" thick, attached to the center of the chassis. on the opposite side (in contact with the cabinet) is a thin metal plate a little larger than the foam. most of the chassis is suspended above the cabinet by this apparatus in the center and a small ledge on either side of the chassis.

So, I got that thing outside and in a plastic bag, and vacuumed up the dust from the cabinet that was on the table I was working on. My questions:

1. Does anyone know if that piece of foam/material contains asbestos? I see that other radios have asbestos sheets, but this was thicker than those-- and it seemed quite pliable. Anybody got a C845 that knows what I'm talking about?

2. If it was asbestos, how dangerous was it to work on this inside (and without a mask)? I mean, I didn't waste time once I saw it, but are these materials in radios generally fairly dangerous, fairly safe without repeated exposure, or somewhere in between?

3. Again, if it was asbestos, would careful removal and washing of the chassis eliminate the risk and make the radio safe for the home, or will it always be dangerous?

4. As somebody new to this, is there anything else I should know about hazardous materials in these suckers? Lead? Fumes from decaying parts?


I'd appreciate any information you have. I now have a disassembled radio on the balcony in a trash bag and a girlfriend who is telling me to throw it out. I would hate to, but I also want to make sure this hobby isn't putting me and my loved ones at risk.

Thanks!