Auto mechanics can potentially be exposed to asbestos in their line of work, particularly when working with older vehicles. Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was commonly used in various automotive components in the past, such as brake pads, clutch plates, gaskets, insulation, and heat shields. The risk arises when these asbestos-containing parts deteriorate or are disturbed during repair or maintenance tasks, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
Inhaling asbestos fibers can pose serious health risks, including lung diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. These diseases may take years or even decades to develop after asbestos exposure.
If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos in the auto trade, contact Bailey & Glasser to find out what your legal rights are.
When Might Mechanics Come Across Asbestos?
Auto mechanics may come across asbestos in various automotive components, especially in older vehicles. Here are some common areas where mechanics might encounter asbestos:
- Brake pads and shoes: Asbestos was widely used in brake pads and shoes until the 1990s. Older vehicles, particularly those manufactured before the late 1990s, may have asbestos-containing brake linings.
- Clutch plates: Clutch plates also used asbestos to provide heat resistance and durability. Mechanics may encounter asbestos in the clutch components of older vehicles.
- Gaskets and seals: Some gaskets and seals, such as head gaskets and exhaust manifold gaskets, used to contain asbestos as a heat-resistant material.
- Insulation: Asbestos insulation materials were commonly used to insulate various components, including exhaust systems, pipes, and engine parts. Mechanics may encounter asbestos-containing insulation during repairs or maintenance tasks.
- Heat shields: Heat shields in the engine compartment or near exhaust systems may contain asbestos. These shields were designed to protect surrounding components from high temperatures.
- Soundproofing materials: Asbestos was used in soundproofing materials, such as firewall insulation and door panel insulation, in older vehicles.
- Other components: While less common, asbestos may also be found in other automotive parts, such as certain electrical components, hood liners, and air conditioning systems.
It’s important to note that asbestos use in automotive components has significantly declined in recent decades, and many manufacturers have transitioned to asbestos-free alternatives. However, older vehicles may still have asbestos-containing parts, and mechanics should be cautious when working on them.
Identifying asbestos-containing materials visually is often challenging, as asbestos fibers are microscopic. If in doubt, mechanics should assume the presence of asbestos and take appropriate safety measures to minimize exposure.
Manufacturers of Asbestos Containing Auto Parts
A huge variety of companies manufactured auto parts containing asbestos in the past. This is not an exhaustive list, but some of the more well known ones included:
- Abex Corporation
- Advance Auto Parts
- American Standard, Inc.
- Anchor Packing Company
- Austin Auto Parts, Inc.
- AutoZone, Inc.
- Bendix Corporation
- B.F. Goodrich Company
- Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
- Canton Auto Parts, Inc.
- Daimler Chrysler Corporation
- Dana Corporation
- Federal-Mogul Corporation
- Ferodo
- Fisher Auto Parts, Inc.
- Ford Motor Company
- Forest City Auto Parts Company, Inc.
- G&T Auto Parts of Mid-Orange, Inc.
- General Motors (GM)
- Genuine Parts Company
- Globe Foreign Auto Parts, Inc.
- John Crane Company
- John Deere International
- Johns-Manville
- L.A.S. Replacement Parts, Inc.
- LM Scanlon, Inc.
- Maremont Corporation
- National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA)
- O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.
- Pep Boys
- Potsdam Auto Parts, Inc.
- Raymark Industries (Raybestos-Manhattan)
- Ren Auto Parts
- Scanlon’s Auto Parts, Inc.
- Unarco
- Uniroyal Holding, Inc.
FAQs
Read on to learn the answers to some commonly asked questions regarding asbestos and auto mechanics.
Is asbestos still used in car brakes?
In many countries, including the United States, the use of asbestos in brake pads and linings has been phased out or banned due to the health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
Many manufacturers have transitioned to asbestos-free or low-asbestos formulations using alternative materials, such as organic or semi-metallic compounds.
As a result, most brake pads available today are asbestos-free or have very low asbestos content, complying with regulations and industry standards that aim to protect the health and safety of mechanics and consumers.
Are car mechanics exposed to asbestos?
Car mechanics can be exposed to asbestos in certain situations, particularly when working with older vehicles or components that contain asbestos. Asbestos was widely used in the automotive industry for its heat resistance and durability. While the use of asbestos in automotive parts has significantly declined over the years, mechanics may still come across asbestos-containing materials when working on older vehicles.
What percentage of asbestos is in brake pads?
Previously, asbestos-containing brake pads typically contained a percentage of asbestos fibers mixed with other materials such as resins, binders, fillers, and reinforcing materials. The percentage of asbestos content could be up to 70% by weight, depending on the formulation and the specific application.
Next Steps If You’ve Been Exposed to Asbestos in the Auto Trade
If you have been exposed to asbestos in the auto trade and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related health condition, it may be necessary to take legal steps to protect your rights and seek compensation.
Many auto mechanics across the United States have taken legal action by filing mesothelioma lawsuits against asbestos companies. These companies are held accountable for their negligence in exposing workers to the hazardous mineral. In many cases, major automotive companies are implicated for their role in allowing asbestos exposure to occur.
By pursuing legal action, mesothelioma patients and their loved ones seek financial compensation that can provide security and comfort for the future. These lawsuits aim to hold responsible parties accountable for the damages caused by asbestos exposure, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses.
The legal process can help mesothelioma patients and their families seek justice and obtain the financial resources necessary to cover medical treatments, ongoing care, and other expenses associated with the disease. While the legal outcomes vary on a case-by-case basis, successful lawsuits have resulted in significant compensation that can help provide support and stability during a challenging time.
Attorneys specializing in asbestos-related cases, such as those at Bailey & Glasser, will have the experience and knowledge to guide you through the legal process and advocate for your rights. Get in touch today for a free consultation and see if we can help you.
