Is there asbestos in the firewall insulation?

[GeoBW]

Replacing the firewall insulation and wondering if there's any asbestos in the original (1973) that we need to worry about?

 

[tpj71mach]

I don't know for sure, but that is a possibility. They banned asbestos use in spray on insulations in 1972 but that did not stop it's use in other products, including solid insulations. The Toxic Substance Control Act wasn't passed until 1975 or 1976 as I recall, that controlled the use of asbestos in products like insulation and flooring but didn't ban it. I like to use a paint respirator with charcoal filters when I tear down an old car just to keep all the nasty out of my lungs. A lot of dirt and dust and even molds, as well as asbestos if it is present, can be stirred up when disassembling pieces that have not been disturbed for decades.

 

[GeoBW]

I don't know for sure, but that is a possibility. They banned asbestos use in spray on insulations in 1972 but that did not stop it's use in other products, including solid insulations. The Toxic Substance Control Act wasn't passed until 1975 or 1976 as I recall, that controlled the use of asbestos in products like insulation and flooring but didn't ban it. I like to use a paint respirator with charcoal filters when I tear down an old car just to keep all the nasty out of my lungs. A lot of dirt and dust and even molds, as well as asbestos if it is present, can be stirred up when disassembling pieces that have not been disturbed for decades.

Good point