Mesothelioma and Automobile Mechanics
Automobile mechanics were, and still are, at a high risk of being exposed to asbestos and increasing their risks of Mesothelioma. Although many new vehicles are now moving away from using asbestos, in the past, asbestos was often used, particularly in brakes and clutches. Automobile mechanics are still exposed to older vehicles that may still have these asbestos brakes and clutches.
The Exposure to Asbestos of Automobile Mechanics
In the past, asbestos was often used in brakes and clutches and was considered an ideal material due to its many beneficial properties such as heat resistance, chemical resistance, strength, and durability. To the users of these vehicles, there was generally no harm done as they were not exposed to the asbestos dust that comes from working with these products. But, the automobile mechanics that had to repair these brakes and clutches were exposed to large amounts of this dust. This meant that they greatly increased their risk of contracting Mesothelioma.Automobile Mechanics Currently Working with Asbestos
Although asbestos is being phased out of new vehicles, there are still many older vehicles on the road that contain asbestos-containing brakes, clutches, and other automobile parts. Automobile mechanics are working with these on a daily basis. Since there has been an increased awareness of the risk of Mesothelioma, the government has now put out specific standards and guidelines as to how one should work with asbestos-containing automobile parts such as brakes and clutches, in order to protect oneself from the asbestos dust.Asbestos Today
In the past, asbestos was often used in automobile parts, but the increased awareness of the dangers of contracting Mesothelioma from the asbestos dust has meant that asbestos is now being phased out of new vehicles. Older vehicles however, still often contain asbestos, and have the risk of exposing automobile mechanics to asbestos dust. Therefore, the government has put in place guidelines to help protect automobile mechanics against Mesothelioma.






