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#1
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Asbestos in Vintage Speakers (AR 2AX)
I have been told and have been reading about asbestos used in AR speakers
(maybe others). Does anyone know when AR used fiberglass that may have contained asbestos and what circa speakers might contain asbestos i.e. is there any reference that you know of that indicates which AR model numbers might contain asbestos and the year of manufacture? Any information you might have on the use of materials containing asbestos in vintage speakers would be on interest to me. |
#2
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Asbestos in Vintage Speakers (AR 2AX)
On Sun, 04 Feb 2007 16:20:12 +0000, zibbit wrote:
I have been told and have been reading about asbestos used in AR speakers (maybe others). Does anyone know when AR used fiberglass that may have contained asbestos and what circa speakers might contain asbestos i.e. is there any reference that you know of that indicates which AR model numbers might contain asbestos and the year of manufacture? Any information you might have on the use of materials containing asbestos in vintage speakers would be on interest to me. Fiberglass does not contain asbestos, the two materials are completely different. In the US bans of asbestos started going into effect around 1973. Speakers made prior to that date could potentially contain asbestos. This would only be a concern if you plan to open up the speaker and work on it. If left undisturbed and in a sealed box (AR speakers were acoustic suspension) it is not likely that the asbestos would be a hazard. It is when the asbestos becomes airborne that is becomes a problem. |
#3
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Asbestos in Vintage Speakers (AR 2AX)
"zibbit" wrote in message
... I have been told and have been reading about asbestos used in AR speakers (maybe others). Does anyone know when AR used fiberglass that may have contained asbestos and what circa speakers might contain asbestos i.e. is there any reference that you know of that indicates which AR model numbers might contain asbestos and the year of manufacture? Any information you might have on the use of materials containing asbestos in vintage speakers would be on interest to me. If what you say is true, your post may be the most profound one ever on an audio NG. You say they mixed the two very different materials? I am trying to understand the logic in doing that. In a way I wish you never mentioned this because now I'm worried. Cordially, west |
#4
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Asbestos in Vintage Speakers (AR 2AX) not so profound, just scary
West,
I don't know how profound it is, but it appears to be a fairly well known "issue" among technicians that have worked on AR speakers over the years. Here's what I have learned so far, the first production models of ARs were produced in 1958 (AR3) according to various sources . The AR 2AX came later. The pair that I have are date stamped 1966 on the woofer frame. According to the previous post, laws were enacted in the USA in 1973 to regulate the use of asbestos (in general). That suggests that dampening materials containing asbestos might have been used in AR speakers from 1958 through the1960s. Can't speak for other manufacturers... My interest in this is that I rebuilt my AR 2AX speakers about 10 years ago and it would have been nice to know at the time that they (might) have contained asbestos. I don't recall even reading about this in all my years of being an audio buff, but apparently service techs are well aware of it due to experience?. Comments/corrections ? Your turn... Here is an interesting thread I found on this topic... http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/arc...p/t-18706.html Here is a good summary of the history of the AR3 by Steve Hoffman http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/sh...ad.php?t=79618 "west" wrote in message ... "zibbit" wrote in message ... I have been told and have been reading about asbestos used in AR speakers (maybe others). Does anyone know when AR used fiberglass that may have contained asbestos and what circa speakers might contain asbestos i.e. is there any reference that you know of that indicates which AR model numbers might contain asbestos and the year of manufacture? Any information you might have on the use of materials containing asbestos in vintage speakers would be on interest to me. If what you say is true, your post may be the most profound one ever on an audio NG. You say they mixed the two very different materials? I am trying to understand the logic in doing that. In a way I wish you never mentioned this because now I'm worried. Cordially, west |
#5
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Asbestos in Vintage Speakers (AR 2AX) not so profound, just scary
On Wed, 07 Feb 2007 23:42:10 +0000, zibbit wrote:
My interest in this is that I rebuilt my AR 2AX speakers about 10 years ago and it would have been nice to know at the time that they (might) have contained asbestos. I don't recall even reading about this in all my years of being an audio buff, but apparently service techs are well aware of it due to experience?. Comments/corrections ? Your turn... One thing to keep in mind is that asbestos is much more of a hazard to a person who smokes than one who doesn't. In fact that is true of almost all inhalable hazards. The numbers go something like this: Nonsmoker not exposed to asbestos: 1 Non smoker exposed to asbestos: 5 Smoker not exposed to asbestos: 10 Smoker exposed to asbestos: range from 50-90 depending on study Now the people here who are 'exposed' are workers who have handled asbestos as part of their jobs on a daily basis for some number of years. I would expect that rebuilding a pair of speakers once would be a pretty minor exposure with much much lower risk levels. The fact is that in life almost everyone has had some exposure to asbestos - from brake dust, potting plants in vermiculite, working in a building that has some old asbestos insulation yet to be removed, etc. So I woundn't lose any sleep over it. It's one of those hazards that you should try to avoid, but a single exposure is very unlikely to cause problems. The risk is not zero, but then again you might get sucked up into a tornado tomorrow too. |
#6
Posted to rec.audio.high-end
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Asbestos in Vintage Speakers (AR 2AX) not so profound, just scary
"zibbit" wrote in message
West, I don't know how profound it is, but it appears to be a fairly well known "issue" among technicians that have worked on AR speakers over the years. Here's what I have learned so far, the first production models of ARs were produced in 1958 (AR3) according to various sources . The AR 2AX came later. The pair that I have are date stamped 1966 on the woofer frame. According to the previous post, laws were enacted in the USA in 1973 to regulate the use of asbestos (in general). That suggests that dampening materials containing asbestos might have been used in AR speakers from 1958 through the1960s. Can't speak for other manufacturers... I've taken apart a number of AR speakers from the early days (50s and 60s), and never saw anything that even looked like asbestos in them. The damping materials were always standard resin-bonded fiberglass. That was typical of speakers of that era. I can't remember ever seeing asbestos used in a commercially-built speaker, or even home brew ones. |
#7
Posted to rec.audio.high-end
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Asbestos in Vintage Speakers (AR 2AX)
On Feb 4, 11:20 am, "zibbit" wrote:
I have been told and have been reading about asbestos used in AR speakers (maybe others). Does anyone know when AR used fiberglass that may have contained asbestos and what circa speakers might contain asbestos i.e. is there any reference that you know of that indicates which AR model numbers might contain asbestos and the year of manufacture? Any information you might have on the use of materials containing asbestos in vintage speakers would be on interest to me. No AR speaker from the 60s through their rape and pillage by International Jensen contains asbestos in any quantity, shape or form. Peter Wieck Wyncote, PA |
#8
Posted to rec.audio.high-end
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Asbestos in Vintage Speakers (AR 2AX)
zibbit wrote:
I have been told and have been reading about asbestos used in AR speakers (maybe others). Does anyone know when AR used fiberglass that may have contained asbestos and what circa speakers might contain asbestos i.e. is there any reference that you know of that indicates which AR model numbers might contain asbestos and the year of manufacture? Any information you might have on the use of materials containing asbestos in vintage speakers would be on interest to me. Asbestos has never been used in speakers AFAIK. Fibreglass has no relationship to asbestos whatever. Fibreglass does not contain asbestos. Learn some basic science please. Graham |
#9
Posted to rec.audio.high-end
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Asbestos in Vintage Speakers (AR 2AX) not so profound, just scary
zibbit wrote:
According to the previous post, laws were enacted in the USA in 1973 to regulate the use of asbestos (in general). That suggests that dampening materials containing asbestos might have been used in AR speakers from 1958 through the1960s. It suggests nothing of the sort. How on earth did you come to such a bizarre conclusion ? Graham |
#10
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Asbestos in Vintage Speakers (AR 2AX)
Hi Graham,
I actually know quit a bit about science. Don't dissect my words and please and stick to the spirit of the post. The spirit of the post is that there are numerous accounts of service technicians that have encountered asbestos (padding, dampening material, fiberfill, fiberglass, you name it) in early vintage AR speakers. Why are you so sure that it is not true? I've heard and read the assertions...what are the facts? Some posts have suggested that they have never encountered asbestos containing materials in an AR speaker that they took apart or rebuilt. Is there anyone on this newsgroup that has any concrete evidence that they have seen asbestos containing materials in any speaker (not just AR) that they have taken apart and how would you know what it was if you saw it? "Eeyore" wrote in message ... zibbit wrote: I have been told and have been reading about asbestos used in AR speakers (maybe others). Does anyone know when AR used fiberglass that may have contained asbestos and what circa speakers might contain asbestos i.e. is there any reference that you know of that indicates which AR model numbers might contain asbestos and the year of manufacture? Any information you might have on the use of materials containing asbestos in vintage speakers would be on interest to me. Asbestos has never been used in speakers AFAIK. Fibreglass has no relationship to asbestos whatever. Fibreglass does not contain asbestos. Learn some basic science please. Graham |
#11
Posted to rec.audio.high-end
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Asbestos in Vintage Speakers (AR 2AX)
Note the interpolations:
On Feb 15, 11:42 pm, "zibbit" wrote: I actually know quit a bit about science. This is not "science" but take-your-pick minerology and/or basic chemistry. Don't dissect my words and please and stick to the spirit of the post. All we have is your words to use. Choose the word "parse" instead of "dissect" and I think you are closer to what is happening. The spirit of the post is that there are numerous accounts of service technicians that have encountered asbestos (padding, dampening material, fiberfill, fiberglass, you name it) in early vintage AR speakers. Where? Point to one please. Point to any one that is anything other th an wishful anecdote. Please. Even wishful anecdote... Why are you so sure that it is not true? I've heard and read the assertions...what are the facts? The "facts" are based on the nature of batting that AR used. Over the years, they used both natural and synthetic materials based on natural (grown wool/cotton fibers) and synthetic (various man-made chemical- based fibers). I am not so sure they even used fiberglas material, as I have been digging in/around/through AR speakers for now-40 years and have never seen it to-date. http://www.classicspeakerpages.net/a...a_Cutaway2.jpg Shows the natural-fiber batting used in the early versions. "Asbestos" is not necessarily batting, although some batting may contain asbestsos, and some *mineral wool* fibers may contain asbestos if it was in the original material used as the base. Asbestos forms include chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite. Chrysotile is what is most commonly seen in construction and insulation materials. It is strong and durable, but does not come in 'long-staple' forms and so must be "bound" with other materials usually cementicious in nature, or woven into cloth with non- asbestos binding fibers. As batting, it is (was) particularly unsuitable, costly, difficult to handle and for any of seveal practical purposes of no use or need in speaker manufacture. AR did not survive for 30+ years in the business by making stupid and costly decisions. Lastly, you are engaged in the fallacy of "proving the negative". I would suggest (gently) that if you are worried about this issue, simply avoid AR speakers. From a purely selfish point of view, that leaves more for the rest of us. Peter Wieck Wyncote, PA |
#12
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Asbestos in Vintage Speakers (AR 2AX)
On Feb 15, 11:42 pm, "zibbit" wrote:
I actually know quit a bit about science. there are numerous accounts of service technicians that have encountered asbestos (padding, dampening material, fiberfill, fiberglass, you name it) in early vintage AR speakers. Several problems with your assertion: 1. You just equated asbestos with other materials: "asbestos (padding, dampening material, fiberfill, fiberglass, you name it)" Just because "you name it asbestos," doesn't mean that it is. 2. There are numerous accounts of a lot of things. There are numerous accounts that expensive wooden pucks placed at specific points in a room make dramatic differences in the sound. There are numerous reports of CDs being improved because someone painted the edge with a green magic market. There are numerous reports of this and that. Where's the evidence to support these "numerous reports?" Where are, in fact, the "numerous reports" you refer to? 3. Do these "service technicians" know asbestos when they see it. 4. Acoustically and mechanically, asbestos is a pretty poor choice for the job an acoustic absorbant needs to perform in an acoustic suspension speaker system. Given its cost, difficulty in handling and poor performance, why would a reasonably knowledgeable company like AR do this? Why are you so sure that it is not true? I've heard and read the assertions...what are the facts? The FACTS are that you have made assertions with no evidence to support them. The FACTS are that there's no good reason why this might be true. Some posts have suggested that they have never encountered asbestos containing materials in an AR speaker that they took apart or rebuilt. Is there anyone on this newsgroup that has any concrete evidence that they have seen asbestos containing materials in any speaker (not just AR) that they have taken apart and how would you know what it was if you saw it? In the thousands of speakers I have taken apart, I have never once seen any evidence of asbestos. It has an appearance which is quite distinct and easily differentiated from materials such as fiberglass wool, rock wool, acetate fiber, polyester fiber, urethane and ethylene foams, shredded paper, cotton and wool fibers, bags of packing peanuts, stretched layers of cloth, bundles of straws, excelsior and any nimber of other of contrivances (including nothing at all) manufacturers have put inside speaker enclosures. As a professional in the field, I think I am qualified, probably a lot more so than most "service technicians" at making these asertions. Now, these "service technicians" and, by proxy, yourself are making assertions or at least suggestions to the contrary. Did any of these technicians, on becoming suspicious as to the content, do the responsible thing and take a sample of the material and submit it to a local HazMat authority for analysis? That's what I would have done (and have done, in other instances). Did they? Who are these "service technicians?" I think it would behoove then to come forwartd with the evidence. If they are correct, this represents a SIGNIFICANT health hazard. What's their motivation for NOT coming forward? The risk to them is negligible for doing so. And, if there's ANY evidence for asbestos in speakers, do you think the laqwyers would have missed it? Good gracious, the number of ads for law firms pursuing asbestos liability cases would alone suggest there's gold in them thar hills. Having been in this business for well over a quarter of a century, and having seen the sort of "numerous accounts" that pass for "fact" in this "industry, I'd bet good money this is urban legend that has taken on a life of its own. |
#13
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Asbestos in Vintage Speakers (AR 2AX)
zibbit wrote:
"Eeyore" wrote zibbit wrote: I have been told and have been reading about asbestos used in AR speakers (maybe others). Does anyone know when AR used fiberglass that may have contained asbestos and what circa speakers might contain asbestos i.e. is there any reference that you know of that indicates which AR model numbers might contain asbestos and the year of manufacture? Any information you might have on the use of materials containing asbestos in vintage speakers would be on interest to me. Asbestos has never been used in speakers AFAIK. Fibreglass has no relationship to asbestos whatever. Fibreglass does not contain asbestos. Learn some basic science please. Graham Hi Graham, I actually know quit a bit about science. Don't dissect my words and please and stick to the spirit of the post. I addresses your post directly. No disection needed. The spirit of the post is that there are numerous accounts of service technicians that have encountered asbestos (padding, dampening material, fiberfill, fiberglass, you name it) in early vintage AR speakers. What numerous accounts are these ? Why are you so sure that it is not true? I've heard and read the assertions...what are the facts? It would be a very odd choice of material. Why would they ever do it ? The stuff turns to 'powder' and would blow out of any ports. The dangers of asbestos have been known for over 100 years. Again why would anyone use it ? I do wonder if rockwool might have been mistakenly thought to be asbestos though. It's a mineral fibre too. Graham |
#14
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Asbestos in Vintage Speakers (AR 2AX)
Late reply, but I thought I would add some facts for reference.=20
Asbestos fiber was used in a wide range of materials, such as insulation, f= looring, siding, mastics, caulking, fiberboard, cloth, plastics, gaskets, w= ashers, etc. Even though some asbestos containing materials and some types = of asbestos fiber are more hazardous than others, all of them are potential= ly hazardous.=20 I own a pair of early AR3s, and I would be very surprised if they did not c= ontain some form of asbestos. The black caulking used to seal the woofers i= s almost certainly Dum-Dum brand, which was widely used and contained asbes= tos. But the fibers used as a binder in caulking and similar products pose = little if any risk. The problem is with loose, dry asbestos, or friable asb= estos.=20 With respect to the AR3's the only real concern would be the loose fiberous= packing behind the cabinet. Asbestos packing was commonly used to insulate= circuit boxes, and because of its fire-resistant properties and relatively= low cost at the time, I would say that there is a pretty good chance that = AR and/or other manufacturers would have used an asbestos blend as an insul= ator/dampener.=20 Having said that, the only real risk of exposure would come from opening up= the speakers. If you are concerned about exposure, I would recommend that = you open the cabinets outside or in a garage, and wear appropriate respirat= ory protection.=20 Most studies indicate that asbestosis and mesothelioma are caused by prolon= ged and repeated exposure to asbestos. Nevertheless, it's a good idea to ta= ke some precaution when working with any type of fiberous material, whether= it is fiberglass, mineral wool, polypropylene batting, or asbestos. Inhali= ng fibers can cause scarring of the lungs, which, over time, can contribute= to respiratory problems.=20 tl;dr- Closed speakers are safe, but take some precautions when working ins= ide the cabinet. |
#15
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Asbestos in Vintage Speakers (AR 2AX)
Note the interpolations - and that this goes back to 2007.
On Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 3:50:39 PM UTC-4, George Hardy wrote: Late reply, but I thought I would add some facts for reference.=20 =20 Asbestos fiber was used in a wide range of materials, such as insulation,= flooring, siding, mastics, caulking, fiberboard, cloth, plastics, gaskets,= washers, etc. Even though some asbestos containing materials and some type= s of asbestos fiber are more hazardous than others, all of them are potenti= ally hazardous.=20 The above are historically accurate statements, so far, so good.=20 =20 I own a pair of early AR3s, and I would be very surprised if they did not= contain some form of asbestos. The black caulking used to seal the woofers= is almost certainly Dum-Dum brand, which was widely used and contained asb= estos. But the fibers used as a binder in caulking and similar products pos= e little if any risk. The problem is with loose, dry asbestos, or friable a= sbestos.=20 One statement, probably true, one assertion that is actually untrue. "Surpr= ised" and "Almost Certainly" do not equate to facts. Wishful (or fearful) t= hinking, perhaps. False premises to make further bad arguments, more likely= ..=20 =20 With respect to the AR3's the only real concern would be the loose fibero= us packing behind the cabinet. Asbestos packing was commonly used to insula= te circuit boxes, and because of its fire-resistant properties and relative= ly low cost at the time, I would say that there is a pretty good chance tha= t AR and/or other manufacturers would have used an asbestos blend as an ins= ulator/dampener.=20 That something was commonly used, and what you might say also does not equa= te to a fact. AR used, over time, various natural materials, and man-made m= aterials for their batting, chosen very carefully for specific characterist= ics including resilience and place-holding. It would have been remarkable f= or them to use a "common" material - especially given that they used real w= ool.=20 =20 Having said that, the only real risk of exposure would come from opening = up the speakers. If you are concerned about exposure, I would recommend tha= t you open the cabinets outside or in a garage, and wear appropriate respir= atory protection.=20 If one chooses to believe that AR (or any other speakers) contain asbestos,= then behave as if it were. Under those conditions, opening one "outside or= in a garage" is the height of criminal stupidity as any friable materials = will be broadcast into the environment for anyone at random to inspire.=20 Most studies indicate that asbestosis and mesothelioma are caused by prol= onged and repeated exposure to asbestos. Nevertheless, it's a good idea to = take some precaution when working with any type of fiberous material, wheth= er it is fiberglass, mineral wool, polypropylene batting, or asbestos. Inha= ling fibers can cause scarring of the lungs, which, over time, can contribu= te to respiratory problems.=20 Yep. Including flour, cotton fibers (AKA "Brown Lung") and much more.=20 I had a neighbor who died of Asbestosis at 97, from a single exposure when = she was 22. She was a roller-skate telephone operator, and one day they wer= e spraying the backs of the boards with asbestos. A single fiber can kill, = whether immediately or over time. Smoking greatly exacerbates the issue, an= d repeated exposure can also shorten the process. As in the case of my fath= er-in-law who was a maritime engineer and exposed on many occasions from hi= s 20s into his late 40s - and who died at nearly 80 of heart-related issues= .. No apparent reaction to the asbestos.=20 tl;dr- Closed speakers are safe, but take some precautions when working i= nside the cabinet. Yeah... the stuff itches like crazy if one does not wear gloves.=20 p.s.: AR did not use ACMs and they did not use Fiberglas (or fiberglass). = Those who choose to believe otherwise, please eschew AR speakers - it leave= s more for the rest of us.=20 Peter Wieck Melrose Park, PA |
#16
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Asbestos in Vintage Speakers (AR 2AX)
I work asbestos litigation, and spend an inordinate amount of time researching ACMs, including branding, labeling, and application of products.
It sounds like you have some personal knowledge about the materials used in mid-century ARs. If so, please share. It would actually be very helpful. |
#17
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Asbestos in Vintage Speakers (AR 2AX)
On Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 4:43:00 AM UTC-7, Peter Wieck wrote:
Note the interpolations - and that this goes back to 2007. =20 =20 On Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 3:50:39 PM UTC-4, George Hardy wrote: Late reply, but I thought I would add some facts for reference.=20 =20 If one chooses to believe that AR (or any other speakers) contain asbesto= s, then behave as if it were. Under those conditions, opening one "outside = or in a garage" is the height of criminal stupidity as any friable material= s will be broadcast into the environment for anyone at random to inspire.= =20 =20 I had a neighbor who died of Asbestosis at 97, from a single exposure whe= n she was 22. She was a roller-skate telephone operator, and one day they w= ere spraying the backs of the boards with asbestos. A single fiber can kill= , whether immediately or over time. Smoking greatly exacerbates the issue, = and repeated exposure can also shorten the process. As in the case of my fa= ther-in-law who was a maritime engineer and exposed on many occasions from = his 20s into his late 40s - and who died at nearly 80 of heart-related issu= es. No apparent reaction to the asbestos.=20 Sorry but this one fiber comment is nonsense.=20 http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/asbestos/...th-effects.htm "The idea that 'one fibre will kill' is not supported by scientific evidenc= e as everyone has had some exposure to asbestos fibres. The burden of asbes= tos fibres in the lungs, resulting from typical background exposure, appear= s to be tolerated by most people. Post-mortem studies of people aged betwee= n 60 -79 years who had not died from asbestos-related diseases have shown u= p to one million asbestos fibres per gram of dry lung tissue." We all have far more than one fiber of asbestos sitting in our lungs right = now.=20 =20 [ This is starting to veer off-topic. We can agree that many materials in electronics and speakers can be hazardous and warrant appropriate caution. Discussion of such is on-topic, but should be related back to audio. --dsr ] |
#18
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Asbestos in Vintage Speakers (AR 2AX)
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