[Arran]

In spite of the hysteria surrounding asbestos I don't think that the quantity found in our old radios is a threat to life and health. I believe that it would take some long term exposure to asbestos, in large amounts, to have any chance of developing an illness, something that radios don't really supply. Encapsulation (painting asbestos with something) is considered an acceptable method to prevent it from flaking apart in most circles, but I don't know if lacquer would have been my first choice around heat I was thinking more of engine enamel or latex paint. It hasn't been something that I worried about but in most instances the manufacturers put it in there for a reason.
Best Regards
Arran