Reel Repair by Alan Tani

I just realized that some of the old reels that I've been working on have asbestos washers in them. Should I be concerned?

Only if you're grinding or crushing them and inhaling the dust/fibers, otherwise not too much to be concerned about.
Also don't recommend using them as cough drops.

depends...are you eating the washers with or without hot sauce?

haha, no I wasn't planning on chewing on them.

I didn't think that it was a big deal provided that I was wearing gloves. I just wanted to make sure. The word asbestos has a negative connotation.

Thanks guys

the risk of a mesothelioma lung cancer is zero.  it's a very common question at poison control.  the asbestos fibers have to be an exact particle size that is found only with raw asbestos.  once it's mixed up with drag washer material or brake linings, then ground up, it poses no risk.  that's why you never hear of auto mechanics getting asbestos-linked cancer. ship yard workers during wwII or guys that worked in asbestos mines were a different story.

Just pitch them and replace with Ht-100's. Superior drag.

Quote from: alantani on August 03, 2014, 05:08:43 PM
the risk of a mesothelioma lung cancer is zero.  it's a very common question at poison control.  the asbestos fibers have to be an exact particle size that is found only with raw asbestos.  once it's mixed up with drag washer material or brake linings, then ground up, it poses no risk.  that's why you never hear of auto mechanics getting asbestos-linked cancer. ship yard workers during wwII or guys that worked in asbestos mines were a different story.

It's amazing the stuff I've learned on this site, I always wondered about the brake shoe deal, when I was in College, I worked in an autoparts store and handled thousands of "core" brake shoes. 

Wait, we shouldn't be smoking them either? Ruh, Roh...

I have had the leftover asbestos drags from previous reels I have serviced in my repair box forever. I threw them all away last night. No need to reuse them or smoke them.

A particle of Asbestos can fly air born for 8 hrs. I was licensed for removal from NYC & L.I. for 3 yrs. then I dropped the it. I did have part of my right Lung removed a few years ago.

Mike

Quote from: alantani on August 03, 2014, 05:08:43 PM
the risk of a mesothelioma lung cancer is zero.  it's a very common question at poison control.  the asbestos fibers have to be an exact particle size that is found only with raw asbestos.  once it's mixed up with drag washer material or brake linings, then ground up, it poses no risk.  that's why you never hear of auto mechanics getting asbestos-linked cancer. ship yard workers during wwII or guys that worked in asbestos mines were a different story.

When it's in processed form it is considered "friable" meaning it is stable. It's a rip off to have to get a special permit and take asbestos materials to special expensive dumps.  Stuff like roof shingles and asbestos siding is safe but not according to the uninformed bureaucrats that force the permit issue.  Dominick

I was a Plumber from '63 - '07. Many places had it installed year ago & I remember watching the Pipe Coverers mixing the powder in water.

Mike

WOW Mike!
A plumber for 44 years! I will be asking you questions in the future Buddy. I had a toilet crisis a few months back. The flange was not square to the wall and it was leaking between the Linoleum and the floor. I had to cut out a section of the floor and replace it. Sal Almighty guided me through it!

All a plumber needs to know is #### flows down hill, payday is on Friday and don't bite your fingernails.

many of the pipes at the old hospital were insulated with raw asbestos.  their answer was to paint it over once every 5 years.