Originally Posted by
Zaphod Beeblebrox
along similar lines, was asbestos used in old Bicycle Drum Brake shoes? Is it currently?
AFAIK it wasn't, and it definitely wouldn't be used now. Even if it was, it isn't that dangerous if you're dealing with just one hub: The danger comes from exposure to lots of loose asbestos fibers, which can get lodged in lung passages.