Asbestos

[1957evinrude]

iI was taking an old gasket off on a motor and Started to wonder if there could be asbestos in those gaskets ?

[bullie]

I think so. I have been told that they are asbestos.

[Buccaneer]

I would think it’s a possibility on the high temp gaskets, exhaust, etc.,
and maybe others. Asbestos products were used a long time!
It’s only a problem if the material becomes "friable", and particles
get in the air, and hence your lungs. When in doubt, wear a dust
mask, and keep the surface of the gasket wet while scraping
or wire brushing off old gaskets.

Prepare to be boarded!

[frankr]

As I understand it, most OMC gaskets (the black ones) had asbestos in them for strength as well as heat resistance. How true and how much, I don’t know.

[Mumbles]

My dealer had to remove the old containing gaskets from their stock a few years ago but I did manage to get a super deal on some that were still left!

[1957evinrude]

Okay then dust mask is in order

[The Boat House]

Use some type of paint stripper.
It will soften the gasket and
will contain any dust particles.
Let it soak for a bit first. If
you hit any dry spots stop and
apply some more. If your
concerned you wouldn’t want
the dust left in you work area.

[roalco]

I had an interesting discussion with my new doctor, a few years ago. She is Eastern European and they have had extensive use of asbestos in manufacturing there for many decades now. Apparently they have found that inhaled asbestos (workplace issues), like most inhaled workplace solids (grinding dust, welding particulates, etc) is almost always, only a future health risk when you have compromised lung health, such as asthma, or are a smoker. She stressed that smoking is almost always the trigger for asbestosis.
That said, proper work habits when dealing with asbestos, greatly reduces any health risk.

[chris-p]

quote Roalco:

I had an interesting discussion with my new doctor, a few years ago. She is Eastern European and they have had extensive use of asbestos in manufacturing there for many decades now. Apparently they have found that inhaled asbestos (workplace issues), like most inhaled workplace solids (grinding dust, welding particulates, etc) is almost always, only a future health risk when you have compromised lung health, such as asthma, or are a smoker. She stressed that smoking is almost always the trigger for asbestosis.
That said, proper work habits when dealing with asbestos, greatly reduces any health risk.

Sort of true, but not totally.

One of the fields my company specializes in is Asbestos Abatement. I am a certified Level 3 Remover and Supervisor.

Coming from someone that has seen friends, family, and co workers die from Asbestos related disease, I can assure you that they were not all smokers. Being a smoker does increase your chances of being affected however.

As stated, never, ever, remove it while dry. Always keep it wet. Put a poly drop sheet under your work area. Do it outdoors, never inside your house. Put on a set of disposable coveralls, gloves, and a mask with a P100 filter. An N95 dust mask will not do anything for you, the asbestos fibres are too small and will pass right through a dust mask. Use wet towels to wipe off your coveralls, mask, etc… then dispose of them once you are done and have removed the gasket. Wet the poly drop sheet, roll it up, and dispose of that as well. Seal up the bag, then you can take off your mask. If you use a vacuum, it must be a HEPA vac.

Protect yourself and your family. Yes, asbestos related diseases do not show up for many years, but do you really want your kids and grandkids that come over to get Mesothelioma in 20 years?

We have buried the wives of our workers that simply washed their husbands coveralls. They didn’t even perform the work!

[chris-p]

…and yes these gaskets contain Asbestos. I have tested them. Not all, but a lot.

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