Garage Workers' Exposure to Asbestos

According to a recently published report by Andrew Schneider, “millions of brakes on running cars and trucks, and millions more waiting on shelves, contain asbestos that can kill mechanics”. A nationwide survey conducted in the US reports that most garage workers believe that asbestos has been taken out of breaks and clutch linings many years ago. However, the truth is that millions of garage workers and gas station attendants are working in an environment that contains alarming levels of asbestos dust.

High Probability of Garage Workers and Gas Station Attendants Getting Mesothelioma

Most mechanics agree that they are covered in white flaky dust when they replace brakes or change tires. What they don’t know is that this dust contains lethal amounts of asbestos dust which could clog their lungs and lead to death. Tests conducted by the US Government have proved beyond doubt that gas stations and repair shops have very high levels of asbestos contamination. According to public health experts, the exposure levels in some of these places are so high that more than one in ten employees working WITHOUT protective gear would contact cancer in all probability.

A study conducted on brake jobs showed that six out of the nine samples collected contained significant amounts of asbestos. Repair bays have very high levels of floating asbestos fibers. The levels of concentration in some of these places range from 2.26% to 62.8%! According to Aaron Susell, an industrial hygienist, “At such levels, people are operating in a danger zone.”

Exposure to Asbestos Can Also Endanger Family Members

While the threat of primary exposure cannot be minimized, there is an added threat that hides behind the obvious – that of secondary exposure to the family members of these workers. Dust carried home is inhaled and ingested by young children and women. Passive exposure can also lead to asbestos related diseases.

There is a high level of callous disregard shown towards workers and employees by the Government and various companies. You can set this right only by reacting to the injustice meted out to you. If you suspect that you may have been exposed to asbestos dust, you should consult a good mesothelioma attorney.