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The use of asbestos was banned by the US government many years ago. However, traces of the deadly substance still remain and continue to pose a health risk to anyone handling it today. 

The automotive industry once used asbestos in the clutch and brake systems of cars and trucks and many older model vehicles still contain asbestos-containing parts.  These potentially dangerous parts are the subject of a safety warning recently issued by the Maine Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The Maine worker safety alert addresses the risk of asbestos-related health problems that automobile mechanics face when working on the brake and clutch systems of these older model vehicles.  Asbestos is composed of tiny, fibrous particles, invisible to the human eye, that are easily airborne and can contaminate the air throughout a mechanic’s shop or other repair facility.  Anyone in these areas is at risk of exposure, not just the mechanic handling the parts.

Four safe-handling procedures are recommended in the Maine worker safety alert.  Listed as “best practices” are the HEPA vacuum / negative pressure enclosure system and the wet cleaning / low pressure methods.

For job sites routinely performing no more than five brake or clutch repair jobs in a week, OSHA allows the wet method of control although it is less effective than the two described as “best.”  In some situations, the solvent / spray can measure is acceptable, too.

In addition to these four procedures for asbestos control, the Maine OSHA alert urges anyone working in an area where brake and clutch systems are being repaired on older model vehicles to act as if asbestos is, in fact, present and to adhere to all safety procedures.  Wetting any parts that may contain asbestos will minimize the number of deadly airborne particles and storing parts in tightly sealed, clearly labeled bags is highly recommended.

Ten thousand Americans die every year because of illnesses caused by asbestos exposure.  Asbestosis, named after the substance itself, is one very crippling and painful disease that contributes to the list of fatalities.  Other diseases known to be caused by asbestos exposure are mesothelioma and certain cancers of the lungs and gastrointestinal tract.

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