Auto Mechanic
The occupation of auto mechanic is regarded as one of the most hazardous jobs due to the high volume of confirmed asbestos exposures. These Individuals which helped with the maintenance and repair of cars, trucks, and other vehicles may have been exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos. 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.
Asbestos, when disturbed, can release fibers and dust into the air, which when inhaled can lead to a number of health problems including asbestosis and such cancers as mesothelioma, lung, esophageal,
gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal. Unfortunately, many of these asbestos exposures could have been prevented if auto mechanics had simply been given the proper knowledge, training and safety equipment.
Asbestos Products in the Automotive Industry
Asbestos was used in a several 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 following are the automobile products most likely to contain asbestos:
• brakes
• hood liners
• clutches
• gaskets
• heat-sealing materials
• valve rings
• 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 workers are not the only people at risk for asbestos-related diseases. Auto mechanics often returned to their home covered in asbestos fibers putting both their family and friends at risk.
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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 include treating all brake and clutch work as though asbestos is still present.
Were You Exposed to Asbestos at Your Auto Mechanic Job? Mesothelioma Attorneys May be Able to Help
It is recommended that people who have spent a significant period of time working as an auto mechanic 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 post- 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 or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe it was from exposure 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 case evaluation. Thousands of victims have been helped by mesothelioma attorneys to receive the mesothelioma settlements they need and deserve.