UNIVAC

[Fred Cisin]

>>> I have learned that Bakelite insulating is phenol and formaldehyde with
>>> embedded asbestos.  Does anyone have any Bakelite insulation in any of
>>> their vintage computers?

I wonder whether it was the word "insulation" that triggered this 
ridiculous inquiry.

To many people, "insulation" means the stuff that is blown into cavities 
in walls for thermal insulation.  Asbestos used to be preferred, because 
it would also make the structure less flammable.  (or is that 
"inflammable"?)  It has/had a tendency to get airborne, and to contain 
asbestos.  Breathing THAT can be a serious worry.

The bakelite "insulation" is hard chunks of [usually] black plastic.  It 
was one of, if not THE, first commercially available plastics.
It has a very high electrical resistance, so is a good "insulator".  Used 
to be used a lot for switch bodies, etc.
To the best of my very limited knowledge, it is not powders, etc. blown 
into spaces.  It is never airborne, unless you throw it at somebody.
NOBODY gets it in their lungs from their computer; NOBODY gets lung cancer 
from it.
(not counting workers in factories where they MANUFACTURED it)

Cancer from asbestos is in the lungs.  Asbestos, if NOT entered into the 
lungs, is harmless, and was quite common in old plumbing.  Nobody gets 
cancer from drinking it.  (cf. scare tactic used to close down Reserve 
Mining)


--
Grumpy Ol' Fred