Brian Turner

Electronic Toxins in Automobiles

Automobiles contain a variety of toxic substances that can enter your body through your skin and by breathing. Inside of your car, heavy metals and other toxins, including mercury, cesium, cadmium and barium are contained within the electronic components of the vehicle. These toxins are primarily within the microchips and liquid crystal display (LCD) screens found on your dashboard and on accessories such as portable geographic positioning system (GPS) units.

The plastics in your vehicle, which make up your dashboard, console, storage compartments, covering of your steering wheel, and components of your vehicle's carpeting, floor mats and safety belts may contain bisphenol A (BPA), which is an endocrine disruptor that can cause hormonal problems when it enters your bloodstream. The heat of the sun can leach this chemical out of the plastics, as can scratches and dings caused by everyday use.

All car enthusiasts’, develop a vision that one day he or she will have their dream car in their garage. Each of these different types of rides whether a classic, muscle, tuner, import, exotic, or supercar, each has a specific magnificence to ones eye. Today, automobiles are very important and used frequently each day for transportation. Although, not many people are familiar with the dangerous toxins lurking inside these vehicles.

There Might Be More Under The Hood Than You Bargained For!

Many enthusiasts have a passion to work on and manually install parts in their car. Certain parts may be easier to install than others, such as brake pads. An avid do-it-yourselfer might feel no need to send their vehicle to a professional auto mechanic as they’re confident enough to fix it on their own. However, many people don't know that car parts may carry toxins such as asbestos, especially when found in older cars. Certain parts including brake pads, hood liners, clutch assemblies are common places where asbestos can be found. If a person does not take safety precautions before working on their vehicles, they will could develop health issues in the future that can be fatal. Being exposed to asbestos can lead to the development of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Surely 9/11 touched each and every American significantly. It was the end of American innocence, sending a powerful message about our place in the world. Today, almost without exception, each of us can say that because of that bright September morning, we have been changed for life. Mothers were left without sons; brothers without brothers, and friends were taken from friends by this senseless act of violence. Unfortunately, the ultimate legacy of 9/11 many still bear as they deal with the long-lasting health effects associated these terrorist attacks.

Some have been left with the psychological trauma from that day, while others, including first responders and other rescue workers present that day must now confront respiratory conditions from the non-infamous “World Trade Center dust” that blanketed much of lower Manhattan that day. Ten years later, we still grapple with the realities of this dust and its devastating effects. What we won’t know for many years is the true, enduring effect of this dust. But we do know, and what will become clear as we explore this topic, is that the effects of the 9/11 on our health will continue to haunt us for years to come.

Tags: asbestos, Ground Zero, mesothelioma, New York, September 11th, World Trade Center

We’re excited to share this tremendously comprehensive infographic we’ve put together detailing the dangers of asbestos. Below you’ll learn where asbestos comes from and how it now affects nearly every corner of the United States. While asbestos has been banned for use in most capacities since 1980, you’ll see below that the mineral is still found in a multitude of commercial products, buildings, naval ship components, as well as automobile brake and friction components.

We know now that asbestos is responsible for many different health risks, including lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma, and asbestosis- a chronic and debilitating respiratory condition. We at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance are dedicated to providing not only the best and most comprehensive information for those diagnosed with mesothelioma, but also resources to prevent adverse asbestos exposure from occurring even today.

Tags: Asbestos, asbestos exposure, malignant mesothelioma