You can see 95%+ of a rheostats parts. No worry there in my eyes.
Less well documented brand names might be an issue if opening a transformer.
I think there are still public lists of asbestos filled products being used by the "class action groups" if you wanted to research it more. They used to be a S.A.S.E.* away. My parents buddy ran one of the larger removal companies eventually(Hey he had trains! S.Fe guy. Out there Larry?). To be 100% sure it must be inspected properly
Our school had it removed in the 70's. We got paper "painters masks" while workers in the same room got "space suits"(big "floaties" for weeks
..so far so good for me. Other classmates, not all so hot cancer wise
. But always trust your govt., and corporations, they know what is best for you )
*self addressed stamped envelope.
