Does anyone know that it's actually asbestos ? | FerrariChat

Does anyone know that it's actually asbestos ?

Discussion in '308/328' started by [email protected], Dec 31, 2009.

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  1. andy2175m4@yahoo.com

    [email protected] Formula Junior

    Dec 7, 2008
    473
    Los Angeles, CA
    Full Name:
    Andy Rein
    An earlier thread I read discussed asbestos in the heat shield of a 308 header, and also mentioned asbestos insulation in the boot.

    I am restoring a 1982 308, and noticed the insulation between the boot and the engine looks like fiberglass...it's white, wool-like, low density fluff. I have not cut the heat shield off the header yet, but it may yet happen.

    My experience has been that asbestos is a much more dense, gray material, that when used to insulate pipes, looks more like cardboard than wool.

    Does anyone know if the insulation on the 308 really IS asbestos ? I.E. done some sort of actual analysis, not just guess ?

    Given that the specter has been raised, I will now treat all such material in the car like it was asbestos, but just the same, does anyone know ? Like the guy I called to remove my old heating system in the house, he said "if you think you have asbestos in your (1957 vintage) house, then you do."
     
  2. Canut

    Canut Formula Junior

    Aug 11, 2005
    340
    Long Beach, CA
    Full Name:
    Manuel Canut
    Don't be fooled by the color and consistency. Asbestos is a natural mineral that was used in many forms. One of the forms was thin white fibers, like nylon or cotton. They even used it as pillow filler at one time!!!
    For the training I have had, one time exposure to it will not kill you or cause any health problems. It is only the prolonged exposure to it. Once it gets into your system, it never gets out, and on microscope it looks like jagged barbs cutting on your lungs.
    So I would say, use a face mask, remove it, and dispose it properly.
     
  3. BAturb

    BAturb Formula Junior

    Nov 14, 2007
    538
    Australia
    Full Name:
    Allan
    some more advice if your going to remove it, whatever it is, use a face mask, put on a pair of disposable overalls and spray the material with some water to keep the dust down, maybe save a small bit and get it tested for peace of mind
     
  4. Newman

    Newman F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 26, 2001
    14,322
    Canada
    Full Name:
    Newman
    #4 Newman, Dec 31, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I was told the stuff in my 308 was rock wool. Never heard of it but when I removed it I was crapping my pants thinking it was asbestos. Some else told me the stuff in the pic below from my boxer tail lamp is asbestos - looks identical to my 308 insulation. Needless to say I didnt violently rub it on my face while taking deep breaths.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  5. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

    Jul 22, 2004
    5,855
    NoNJ/Jupiter FL
    Full Name:
    Steve W.
    Even if it is rock wool, not asbestos, similar precautions should be taken. Here is a summary of safety considerations related to rock wool from Wikipedia:

    Safety of material
    Precautions need to be taken when handling a fibre product as it can be absorbed into the body by inhalation. It can also irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Prolonged exposure could lead to long term effects and it is considered a possible carcinogen to humans, similar to asbestos. This effect may depend upon the fibre diameter and length, chemical composition and persistence within the body.
     
  6. Glassman

    Glassman F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Rock Wool contains asbestos. But don't panic. An isolated contact with asbestos is not going to give you cancer. It is way over cautioned. Sawing wood, installing fiberglass, breathing creosote, breathing any dust, without a face mask is just as equally dangerous. Just dont make a lot of dust and wear a particle mask.

    I know people who worked in the Libby asbestos mine for years that never got sick. Others were dead and dieing. But that was a place with airborn asbestos fibers day in and day out and no breathing protection provided to workers.
     
  7. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    Looks just like rock wool...often used for insultation but doesn't take the heat of asbestos, which incidently, is grey not yellow.
     
  8. Helmut

    Helmut Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2004
    640
    That definitely looks exactly like all that stuff I took out of mine, I was amazed how much of that stuff they managed to pack in there. I have kind of wondered if that should be a plus on resale value when that stuff has been removed, I am very certain that any modern type insulation you can buy nowadays is better than that stuff and definitely healthier.

    Helmut
     

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