Where might asbestos be found on a boiler?

Asbestos may be found in door seals of a boiler due to its properties that make it an effective insulator and fire retardant. Historically, materials containing asbestos were commonly used in various components of boilers, particularly in areas that required resistance to high temperatures and thermal insulation. Door seals need to maintain a proper seal to prevent heat and steam from escaping while also withstanding the intense conditions present in a boiler environment. As a result, asbestos was utilized in these seals to enhance performance and safety.

The other components listed, while they may have their own insulation materials, are less likely to contain asbestos in traditional boiler designs. Pressure gauges and boiler controls typically utilize materials that can withstand pressure and temperature without the need for asbestos. Heat exchangers, while they do require insulation, have shifted away from asbestos use in modern designs due to health risks and regulatory changes. Hence, door seals remain the most likely place for asbestos presence in older boiler systems.