Key Takeaways
- Auto mechanics, car workers, and even hobbyists who work on vehicles could have been exposed to asbestos — and may still be at risk today.
- Brake pads historically contained 35% to 60% asbestos. Ford continued using asbestos brake linings as late as 1993, and asbestos-containing brake parts can still be purchased in the aftermarket.
- The highest exposure occurs during brake and clutch repair — especially when compressed air is used to blow out brake dust. One study found asbestos fibers up to 75 feet away from where the blowout took place.
- Other car parts that may contain asbestos include clutches, hood liners, gasket materials, heat seals, valves, and packing.
- You cannot visually identify asbestos in car parts. OSHA advises all mechanics to assume that all brake shoes contain asbestos.
- OSHA requires commercial shops performing more than five brake or clutch jobs per week to use approved cleaning methods — including negative-pressure HEPA vacuum enclosures or low-pressure wet cleaning systems — to prevent airborne asbestos exposure.
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.
Auto Mechanics and Asbestos Exposure
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.
Safety
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 our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are auto mechanics exposed to asbestos?
Auto mechanics are most commonly exposed to asbestos during brake and clutch repair. When old brake pads are removed, compressed air is typically used to blow out accumulated dust — releasing asbestos fibers into the air. When new asbestos-containing brakes are installed, workers often sand or bevel them to fit correctly, which also releases fibers. One study found that asbestos was detected up to 75 feet away from where compressed air was used during a brake blowout. Other cleaning methods — including vacuum cleaning without HEPA filters, wiping with rags, and hosing down work areas — can also spread asbestos fibers.
Which car parts contain asbestos?
Asbestos has been used in a number of automotive parts, including:
- Brake pad linings — historically contained 35–60% asbestos
- Clutch facings
- Hood liners
- Gasket materials
- Heat seals
- Valves and packing
Asbestos was valued for being inexpensive, heat-resistant, chemical-resistant, and stronger than alternative materials. While newer vehicles have largely phased out asbestos, aftermarket asbestos-containing brake parts can still be purchased today.
Are auto mechanics still at risk of asbestos exposure today?
Yes. While most new vehicles no longer use asbestos in their components, asbestos-containing brake parts are still available in the aftermarket. Mechanics who work on older vehicles are also at risk, since many cars manufactured before the mid-1990s contained asbestos in brakes, clutches, and other parts. OSHA advises all mechanics to assume that all brake shoes contain asbestos, since there is no way to visually identify whether a part contains asbestos. Older vehicles may not have any labeling about asbestos content.
How far can asbestos fibers travel during brake repair?
Research has shown that asbestos fibers can travel up to 75 feet from the location where compressed air was used during a brake blowout. This means that not only the mechanic performing the work, but also other workers nearby in the shop can be exposed to airborne asbestos fibers — even if they are not directly involved in the brake repair.
What safety methods does OSHA require for brake and clutch work?
OSHA requires commercial automotive shops performing more than five brake or clutch jobs per week to use one of the following approved cleaning methods:
- Negative-Pressure Enclosure/HEPA Vacuum System — an enclosure with clear plastic walls fits snugly around the brake or clutch assembly, preventing asbestos from reaching other areas while a HEPA vacuum captures fibers
- Low Pressure/Wet Cleaning Method — low-pressure spray equipment wets the brake assembly and catches the runoff in a basin, preventing dust from becoming airborne
Shops performing five or fewer brake or clutch jobs per week can use the Wet Wipe Method — spraying water at low pressure to wet the brake or clutch, then wiping it clean with a cloth.
Can you tell if a car part contains asbestos just by looking at it?
No. You cannot visually identify whether a car part contains asbestos. Some newer vehicle parts may include labeling about asbestos content, but older vehicles typically have no such information. This is why OSHA recommends that all mechanics assume brake shoes contain asbestos and take proper safety precautions regardless.
Can hobbyists and DIY car enthusiasts also be exposed to asbestos?
Yes. Anyone who works on cars — including hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts — can be exposed to asbestos when servicing brakes, clutches, or other components that may contain asbestos. Unlike commercial shops, home garages are not regulated by OSHA, which means hobbyists may be even less likely to take proper precautions. If you work on vehicles at home, especially older models, it is important to treat all brake and clutch dust as potentially hazardous.
What should I do if I’m an auto mechanic and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease?
If you or a loved one worked as an auto mechanic — or regularly worked on vehicles in any capacity — and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, your occupational exposure history is a critical part of understanding your legal options. Documenting where you worked, what parts you handled, and how long you were in the trade can help build a strong case. Call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
