Asbestos Danger

We have been asked to pass on to our readers a message from the Health and Safety Executive over the danger of asbestos in some pre-war cars.

As is now generally known, asbestos dust is a killer, but before the war the material was used in cars as a sound damper as well as a protector from fire. Safe while undisturbed, the danger lies in the dust cloud that is formed when the material is moved as when, for example, the vehicle is undergoing restoration.

When the owner of a 1936 Armstrong Siddeley under restoration became suspicious of the material lining the body panels, floor and bulkheads, he contacted the Executive for advice. It was only then that the problem became evident resulting In the use of a specialist removal contractor to rid the car of the asbestos. The Executive are keen to point out that the use of asbestos was probably not just limited to Armstrong Siddeleys and that it be found in any car of any year. On finding an unknown fibrous material while renovating a car, you should either assume the material contains asbestos and contact a specialist asbestos removal contractor or arrange for a lab. to analyse the material.

WPK