Asbestos Cancer Risk When Making Car Repairs
Asbestos is a fire-resistant and durable mineral that occurs naturally. Its qualities made it the perfect choice for use by many industries in manufacturing and construction. The automotive industry was no exception.
Asbestos was utilized extensively in the manufacturing of auto parts such as brake pads, hood liners and clutches throughout the 20th century. Unfortunately, the use of asbestos has not been totally prohibited and there are companies that still use it in the manufacturing of these products. The constant abrasion on brakes and clutches causes these products to become damaged and release dust containing asbestos fibers. The dust is then trapped inside the clutch space or brake housing and released when repair work is done. As you can imagine, this poses a major health risk to auto mechanics and enthusiasts who make car repairs on their own.
Prolonged exposure to asbestos can lead to the development of a rare and deadly cancer known as mesothelioma. The symptoms of this type of cancer usually do not show up until 15 to 25 years after exposure. As a result, a mesothelioma diagnosis is not typically made until the cancer is in its advanced stages and is more difficult to treat effectively. The recent escalation of asbestos-related diseases has lead to mesothelioma attorney firms assisting victims in filing lawsuits against the companies responsible for their illness.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has set further standards in working with asbestos and avoiding auto-mobile exposure. By following their listed practices, car owners and mechanics can substantially minimize the chances of asbestos exposure.