Auto mechanics and virtually anyone who works on cars, even hobbyists, could have been exposed to asbestos, a naturally occurring silicate material that is extremely harmful to inhale. These people could still be at risk of exposure today. Breathing in asbestos can cause asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma.
Brake pad linings can contain asbestos. Apparently, Ford continued to use asbestos linings into 1993 in order to stop a brake noise problem. Additionally, asbestos linings can be bought in the aftermarket even if they are not used to manufacture cars when they are first being made. Many manufacturers used asbestos on brake pads because it was inexpensive compared to other materials that were used for the same purpose and it is resistant to certain chemicals and high temperatures. It is also stronger than other materials that could have been used.
Brakes repair and installation workers have commonly been exposed to asbestos when they are removing old brakes and installing new ones. Chrysotile asbestos has been used throughout the United States and other countries since the 1940s. Drum and disc brakes used to have between 35 percent and 60 percent asbestos. When the brakes are removed, compressed air is usually used to blow out the dust that gathered over time when the person driving the car would brake. During this, the asbestos that has not been transformed to forsterite is released into the air and can be inhaled by the person who is working on the brakes. If new asbestos containing brakes are installed, workers usually sand and/or bevel the brakes for them to fit correctly. This releases hazardous asbestos into the air. One study even showed that asbestos was found up to 75 feet from the location that the compressed air was used while the blow out of the brakes was taking place.
There are other cleaning methods that may expose those working on automobiles to asbestos. Vacuum cleaning can release asbestos fibers into the air, as the vacuums at shops do not usually have the right filters to catch and contain asbestos fibers. Additionally, wiping areas with rags and brushes can release asbestos fibers into the air. Also, using a hose to clean an area can spray the asbestos fibers even more. Other products in cars that may contain asbestos include clutches, hood liners, gasket materials, heat seals, valves and packing.
When working on a car, you cannot tell if that car contains asbestos materials. Newer vehicles may say if they have asbestos containing materials on the labels, but older vehicles may not have any information about it. OSHA states that all mechanics should just assume that the shoes on all brakes contain asbestos.
There are certain methods of cleaning that are required by OSHA if you work in a commercial automotive shop that works on more than five brake or clutch jobs a week. One method is the Negative-Pressure Enclosure/HEPA Vacuum System Method. This includes an enclosure and vacuum system that has a box that contains plastic walls or windows that are clear. This box goes around a brake or clutch snuggly, preventing asbestos from being exposed to other areas. Another method of ensuring that asbestos is not exposed to the surrounding area is called a Low Pressure/Wet Cleaning Method. This is when low-pressure spray equipment catches the runoff in a basket after the brake assembly is wettened. This stops asbestos containing dust from being released into the air. An additional method of controlling the release of asbestos is the Wet Wipe Method. This method can be used by those who work in a commercial automotive shop and work on five or less brake or clutch jobs each week. This method involves using a spray bottle to spray water at a low pressure to wet the brake and clutch. After doing this, a cloth can be used to wipe the brakes clean.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, call 800-505-6000 today. For more information, fill out the form on our Homepage.
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