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Workers in the automotive industry may have been affected by asbestos exposure and resulting health problems including mesothelioma cancer. It has been estimated that over 6,000,000 mechanics have been exposed to asbestos brake dust since 1940, and these exposures have resulted in almost 600 asbestos-related cancer deaths every year.
Automotive Jobs at High Risk for Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
The automotive industry has been regarded as one of the more hazardous working environments due to the high volume of confirmed asbestos exposures, particularly among mechanics. Asbestos-containing auto products can release fibers and dust into the air when disturbed, which when inhaled can lead to a number of health problems including asbestosis and the following cancers: mesothelioma, lung, esophageal, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal. Unfortunately, many of these asbestos exposures could have been prevented if auto workers had simply been given the proper training and safety equipment. The following automotive jobs have been affected by asbestos exposures and resulting mesothelioma:
Auto Mechanics
Auto Plant Workers
Asbestos Products in the Automotive Industry
Asbestos was used in a few different areas of an automobile primarily because of its resistance to heat and friction, but also for a resistance to electrical damage, chemical damage, and its tensile strength. The automobile products most likely to contain asbestos are brakes, hood liners, clutches, gaskets, heat-seal material, valve rings, and packing. Brakes and clutches pose the biggest danger because during normal use they wear down through friction and release asbestos dust. Much of this dust gets trapped in the brake housing or clutch compartment, so when they are serviced, the dust is released and creates a high potential for exposure.
As with most occupational asbestos exposures, the on-site automotive workers are not the only people at risk for asbestosis, mesothelioma, and the other health risks. Workers often return to their homes covered in asbestos fibers putting both family and friends at risk as well.
Today's Automotive Workers Are Still at Risk for Asbestos Exposure
Millions of cars, both new and old, still contain asbestos-containing brakes and clutches. Servicing old cars obviously remains a problem but some new cars still have asbestos-containing components as well, although in much smaller amounts. Guidelines for mechanics includetreating all brake and clutch work as though asbestos is still present.
Were You Exposed to Asbestos at Your Automotive Job?
It is recommended that people who have spent a significant period of time working with and around automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and the like get a full physical evaluation by a medical doctor. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure, often takes 15-40 years to manifest and victims average only one year of life after diagnosis. Thus, it is important to catch the disease in its early stages. At-risk workers should pay close attention to any mesothelioma symptoms which include fluid in the lungs, chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe you were exposed to asbestos over the course of your aerospace career, you may be entitled to financial compensation. To learn more about your legal options, please contact us for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your potential claim.
