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.
Ok, But How About New Cars?
There are many toxins in newer car models as well. The following are substances often used within plastics and interior components of newer autos.
- Bromine
- Benzene
- PBDE’s
- Phthalates
According to the article published by The Ecology Center, these toxins have been related to serious health problems. In fact, they report that these toxins among others can cause:
“birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, premature births, and early puberty in laboratory animals, among other serious health problems.”
When working on your car, take safety precautions. When changing parts, especially on older and classic cars, one must make sure he or she is protected. The most important gear one should use is a facemask to decrease the chances of inhaling dangerous toxins. Latex gloves and goggles can also help avoid contact with harmful substances. Oh, and don't forget to maintain a clean workspace, to prevent others from inadvertantly coming into contact with toxins!
