Asbestos insulation in old WE handset wires?

[Telephones_etc]

Hello fellow CRPF'ers. Just got an early (1937) WE 302, but the handset had been cut, then glued back together by a previous owner. I had just cut the wire to put new screw-down connectors on it, when I noticed a white powder on the tip where I had cut it. I shook the wire a bit and more of the stuff came out. Could the powder be asbestos by any chance? I've heard that the majority of old cloth wire was insulated with asbestos, but fiberglass was invented in 1932 so it also could be that... I'm pretty sure the wires are original.

Any insight would be great,
Telephones_etc

[HarrySmith]

I do not believe there was any asbestos in the wires. I would hazard a guess that it was corrosion you saw.

[Telephones_etc]

...I would hazard a guess that it was corrosion you saw.

Yeah, I think you're right. Checked the wires again and they're reaching the end of their lifespan

[Key2871]

The insulation in those old sets would deteriorate and fine powder would be the result. I've seen it before, of course corrosion could also be the powder you see.

[jsowers]

Asbestos was only used where extreme heat and danger of fire were possible, as in power cords for heaters, irons and stage lighting. So phones would never need such protection. Not even the Hot Line.