As for<span style="text-decoration: underline;">
the smells</span> of older appliances, I don't know exactly what it is but I suspect it was the type of oils they were using. I've noticed it particularly on motors and motor windings. Everything has some type of oil or coating on it. I think in the 70s they started adding a subtle scent to the oils. Even plastic items will have a form of oil on them.
I wouldn't describe it as musty but it's interesting that letting it air out, perhaps letting it sit in the sun, helps to dissipate it.
A relative worked at a community museum and they were always getting retro stuff donated. A lot of stuff from the 40s and 50s. They had this jukebox from that time period someone donated and it had fabric wrapped wire inside.
She asked if I'd look at it to see if it would work.
I wanted to look inside before plugging it in. Make sure there was no blaring problems that could easily be avoided. I took the back off and there was the smell. There was also a few mouse nests in the bottom which is a different smell. Anyway, it looked OK, but sure enough, plugged it in and some of the wires stapled to the side started melting off the fabric covering with little sparks as it went along. It didn't even blow the fuse. I quickly unplugged it. I didn't want to ruin it.
I can still picture and smell my mother's 1950s/60s Pencrest sewing machine and
the smell.
My great grandmothers automatic ironer from the 50s and opening it up and there was the smell.
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bikerboy-- "Anyway back to the thread at hand..." Where did you go? No one else here left. Did you have a mental lapse?
And for the three mooks (The three stooges) here who are apparently immune to good sense health advice and feel the need to protest in the most predictable way, remember, you can go out and ruin your health all you want. My words aren't apparently meant for you.
You may not be concerned about helping other members who have concerns and you may not care about your health, but I care.
Just as I have before, I will continue to warn innocents of these legitimate concerns.
If you don't like that than <span style="text-decoration: underline;">YOU</span> have more than one problem.
"A phobia of asbestos" ?
Yes, you should. And lead paint, and radioactive paint, and walking in traffic, and drinking toxic chemicals.... and so on.
If you don't than seriously, there is something wrong with you.
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Collecting artifacts from the past is fine when proper precautions are taken to protect yourself from known defects with them.
https://www.cnn.com/style/article/radium-girls-radioactive-paint/index.html
