Mesothelioma and Asbestos Risk for Auto Mechanics

How Are Auto Mechanics Exposed to Asbestos?

The United States automobile industry manufactured asbestos products beginning in the early 1900s. Products that needed to resist friction and high temperatures often contained the mineral. Some asbestos auto parts included brakes, clutches and gaskets. Although now better regulated, many of these still contain asbestos.

Mechanics who repair these parts may breathe in asbestos fibers. For example, as brake pads wear from use, they can leave behind dust. If the brakes have asbestos, the mineral gets into the dust. Mechanics may unknowingly inhale asbestos when working near brake dust.

The United States began regulating asbestos in the 1970s. But asbestos products manufactured before then may still be in use. Imported products and aftermarket parts made until 2024 may also contain asbestos. Automotive technicians and home mechanics may be at risk of exposure.

What Asbestos Products Put Auto Mechanics at Risk?

Auto mechanics often worked with asbestos products like brakes, clutch plates and gaskets. Asbestos is durable, cheap and fire-resistant. These qualities made it popular in the automotive industry for decades.

With asbestos common in auto parts, mechanics face occupational asbestos exposure risks. Both older and some new auto parts pose ongoing risks.

Auto parts that commonly contained asbestos include:

• Air hoses
• Asbestos blankets
• Brake housings
• Brake linings
• Brake pads
• Brake shoes
• Brakes
• Clutch discs
• Clutch facings
• Clutch linings
• Disc brakes
• Electrical wiring
• Elevator brake shoes
• Fiberglass bodywork
• Fireproof materials
• Fume hoods
• Gaskets
• Heat seals
• Heat shields
• Hood liners
• Insulation
• Packing
• Plastic bodywork
• Torque valves
• Tractor parts
• Transmission housing
• Transmission plates
• Valve rings

Despite knowing the health risks, companies used asbestos as an additive for decades. These companies put professional and at-home auto mechanics at risk of exposure.

Common Places Auto Mechanics May Find Asbestos

Asbestos was widely used in the automotive industry. Auto parts and equipment made with asbestos could be found in many areas where mechanics may work. Mechanics may be exposed to asbestos in many different settings, such as:

• Automotive parts stores
• Automotive repair and maintenance shops
• Home garages
• Vehicle restoration facilities

Some tasks a mechanic performs may pose an asbestos exposure risk, including:

• Brushing automotive assembly parts
• Cleaning drum brakes with compressed air
• Cleaning surfaces with squirt bottles or solvent sprays
• Hosing down areas contaminated with asbestos dust
• Repairing asbestos parts
• Vacuuming with a shop vacuum
• Wiping parts and surfaces with a rag

Anyone working with or near asbestos products during these tasks may be at risk.

Auto Mechanics and At-Risk Trades

Auto mechanics and others in the auto industry may have been exposed to asbestos. Some people work in auto repair shops, while others work on different machinery. These asbestos occupations include mechanics who repair farm equipment, motorcycles and small engines.

At-risk trades in related industries include:

• Aircraft mechanics
• Automotive body and glass repairers
• Automotive electronics installers
• Automotive parts manufacturers
• Avionics equipment mechanics and technicians
• Brake mechanics
• Diesel service technicians and mechanics
• Farm equipment mechanics
• Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians
• Industrial electronics repairers
• Industrial machinery mechanics
• Motorcycle mechanics
• Small engine mechanics

Mechanics use specific techniques that may cause asbestos fibers to become airborne. This work may include sanding or drilling the brake components. These steps can release asbestos fibers into the air. Anyone who inhales airborne asbestos is at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.

Home mechanics may also use these techniques and face the same risks. Family members may also be at risk of secondary asbestos exposure. Professional and at-home mechanics should follow federal asbestos safety guidelines to limit exposure.

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Mesothelioma Risk for Auto Mechanics

Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos diseases, like mesothelioma. The risk of asbestos-related diseases continues as some auto parts, like aftermarket brakes, may still contain asbestos.

Research suggests brake mechanics may have a higher than average risk of developing mesothelioma. The increased risk varies depending on the time period and location of their work.

• Sweden: Researchers analyzed medical registry data from the years 1961 to 1979. Mechanics and repairmen had more than twice the average rate of mesothelioma.
• Australia: Scientists reviewed medical information from the years 1945 to 2000. Mechanics who did brake work had 10 times the average risk of developing mesothelioma.

The EPA regulates asbestos, including issuing a final rule in 2024 on chrysotile asbestos. This new rule ends ongoing uses of asbestos. But companies can still use asbestos products they may have on hand. So mechanics may still work with asbestos products for years to come.

Compensation for Auto Mechanics With Occupational Asbestos Exposure

Auto mechanics may qualify for compensation if they develop asbestos-related diseases. Some options include mesothelioma lawsuits, settlements and trust fund claims. Any compensation awarded can help cover treatment costs, loss of income and more.

Successful settlements obtained for auto mechanics include:

• $5.3 million for a 79-year-old mechanic who worked at Hoover Electric Co.
• $4.9 million for a 59-year-old mechanic who worked at various companies, including Standard Oil and Monsanto
• $2.0 million for a 64-year-old mechanic who worked at Norfolk Naval Shipyards

Anyone diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases may qualify for legal help. Asbestos law firms can help victims understand their filing options. Mesothelioma lawyers from these firms can manage the entire legal process for patients and their families.

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Asbestos Safety for Auto Mechanics

General safety practices have been established for auto mechanics, such as wearing protective gear. Specific asbestos regulations may also help protect professional auto mechanics. Federal brake and clutch mechanics standards are overseen by the EPA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA has safety measures for professional mechanics. For example, some shops may only perform four or fewer brake or clutch jobs per week. OSHA requires these shops to use the following method to reduce asbestos exposure:

• Wet wipe method: This cleaning method involves misting and wiping down asbestos parts with a rag.

When shops perform more of these types of jobs, they may need to follow other methods. OSHA requires:

• Low pressure/wet cleaning method: This system wets asbestos parts and catches contaminated runoff.
• Negative-pressure enclosure/HEPA vacuum system method: This method uses a specific vacuum and enclosure that helps contain asbestos dust.

OSHA also recommends several other steps to help reduce exposure. These steps are not required.

First, OSHA recommends mechanics use ready-to-install parts. Modifying parts by grinding, cutting or drilling can release asbestos. Second, the agency recommends mechanics remove dirty work clothes before leaving the asbestos jobsite. This measure helps reduce the chance of bringing asbestos fibers home.

Although there are asbestos handling and disposal guidelines, no amount of exposure is safe. Continuing to tighten restrictions on asbestos products may better protect auto mechanics in the future.