Due to the increased awareness of the risks of Mesothelioma to automobile repair workers, certain regulations and guidelines have been put in place to help minimize their exposure to asbestos dust. However, with the wide use of asbestos in automobile parts in the past, many automobile repair workers were exposed to asbestos dust before these guidelines and regulations came into effect, and as a result, many have already contracted Mesothelioma.

Guidelines for Automobile Repair Workers When Working with Asbestos

The guidelines, which are given by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, focus on reducing the amount of asbestos dust that an automobile repair worker is exposed to when repairing certain automobile parts such as brakes and clutches. There are two main methods that are recommended, namely, the HEPA Vacuum System and the Wet Cleaning Method.

The HEPA Vacuum system entails creating an enclosure for repairing the brakes and clutches that is kept under negative pressure, where the asbestos dust can be loosened and drawn into the HEPA Vacuum in order to protect the repair workers. The Wet Cleaning Method includes using plenty of water to avoid the release of asbestos dust. These methods are explained in more detail on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration website, as well as on a number of other websites relating to asbestos and automobile repair workers.

Workers Are Still Exposed to Asbestos

These guidelines, regarding the repair of brakes and clutches, are relatively new compared to how long automobile repair workers have been working with asbestos-containing automobile parts. So, what about those who were exposed to asbestos dust before these guidelines came into effect or may not have heard about the guidelines?

Contracting Mesothelioma

Unfortunately, when repairing asbestos-containing brakes and clutches in the conventional manner, that is not using either of the above two methods, a large amount of asbestos dust is produced. When breathed in by the automobile repair worker, this dust can lead to Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disorders. There have been a number of cases in which these automobile repair workers have contracted Mesothelioma, and have then had to fight those companies that were originally responsible for the inclusion of asbestos in the brakes and clutches that they were exposed to.

Before the government established regulations and guidelines for automobile repair workers working with asbestos-containing brakes and clutches, many workers were exposed to large amounts of asbestos dust and contracted Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disorders. Although automobile workers are still exposed to asbestos-containing brakes and clutches, they can help protect themselves by being aware of the risks involved and using the guidelines set out to minimize their exposure to dust, thereby lowering their risk of contracting Mesothelioma.