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 Asbestos Risks for Mechanics: Dangers of Automotive Parts

March 20, 2025

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 It is widely known that asbestos is a toxic carcinogen that can cause serious health complications like mesothelioma and certain types of cancers. While construction workers, firefighters, and shipyard workers are examples of occupations that are at the greatest risk for asbestos exposure, auto mechanics can also be exposed to asbestos if they are working with car parts that contain asbestos. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), approximately 750,000 automotive service technicians are at risk of asbestos exposure while servicing or repairing brakes and clutches. Auto mechanics who are exposed to asbestos for an extended period of time can develop asbestos-related diseases that may not appear until decades later when the disease has already progressed. If you work as an auto mechanic and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is highly recommended that you contact an experienced asbestos lawyer as soon as possible.

What Car Parts Are Most Likely to Contain Asbestos?

Prior to the 1980s, asbestos-containing auto parts were widely used in cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles. Most manufacturers stopped using asbestos in the 1990s, but it is still legal to sell aftermarket auto parts that contain asbestos. This means that auto mechanics continue to be at risk for asbestos exposure. While brakes and clutches have been the primary source of exposure, the following are additional examples of car parts that are known to contain asbestos:

 

• Adhesives: Asbestos cement was mixed with other materials to make a body panel adhesive.
• Air conditioning housing: This contained up to 55% asbestos.
• Body putty: The auto body filler compound contained asbestos.
• Electrical insulation: Asbestos-containing insulation was used around electrical parts to prevent overheating.
• Gaskets, packing, valve, and heat seals: These asbestos-containing materials were used to regulate temperatures.
• Heat shields: These were often used around mufflers to prevent fires.
• Hood liners: Manufacturers used asbestos fibers to produce millions of hood liners due to their natural heat resistance.
• Insulation: Asbestos insulation was used in floor and firewall insulation.
• Mufflers: Asbestos was used in mufflers and the compound used to repair them.
• Hood liner sheets: Asbestos-containing sheets were used around engines to control temperatures.

Where Are Mechanics Exposed to Asbestos?

There are a range of environments where mechanics may be exposed to asbestos fibers, including the following:

 

• Repair shops
• Auto manufacturing plants
• Auto parts supply stores
• Truck stops
• Train stations
• Home garages

What Auto Industry Workers Are at Greatest Risk for Asbestos Exposure?

There are a number of auto workers who may be exposed to asbestos, particularly if large amounts of asbestos are disturbed. In addition to mechanics, the following are additional examples of occupations in the automobile industry that are at risk of asbestos exposure:

 

• First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
• Motorcycle, motorboat, aircraft, or recreational vehicle service technicians
• At-home mechanics and hobbyists
• Auto plant workers
• Brake mechanics
• Machine operators
• Repair shop personnel
• Service technicians

It is also important to understand that family members of mechanics and other auto workers can be exposed to asbestos if workers have asbestos fibers on their clothing, shoes, or in their hair, and they bring those fibers into the home.

How Can Auto Mechanics Prevent Asbestos Exposure?

Whether you own an auto shop, or you work as a mechanic, there are important steps you should take to protect yourself and your employees from asbestos exposure. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends implementing the following safety methods throughout the shop:

 

• Do not blow dust: Avoid using compressed air, a dry rage, a wet or dry brush, or a garden hose to clean brakes and clutches.
• Low pressure/wet cleaning method: This is recommended for shops that perform over five brake or clutch repairs per week. The low-pressure spraying equipment wets down the asbestos fibers, and the runoff is collected in a tray. The runoff must be disposed of safely.
• Negative-pressure enclosure/HEPA vacuum chamber method: This is another option for shops that perform more than five brake or clutch repairs per week. A vacuum box is attached to the brake or clutch system to form an airtight seal that prevents asbestos dust from escaping.
• Wet wipe method: This method is recommended for shops that perform a maximum of five brake or clutch repairs per week. This involves filling a spray bottle with water and detergent and spraying down the brake or clutch system’s housing. You then wipe down the surface and safely dispose of the wipes.

What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

If you have been exposed to asbestos while working as a mechanic, you may be at risk for serious health complications like mesothelioma and other types of cancers. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, stomach, and heart. There is currently no cure. Common symptoms of mesothelioma include:

 

• Chest pain
• Chronic cough
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss
• Vomiting and nausea

Unfortunately, by the time symptoms appear, the disease has often progressed. It is important that you seek immediate medical attention if you start to experience any of the above symptoms.

Can I Recover Compensation if I Am Diagnosed with Mesothelioma?

The medical costs associated with treating mesothelioma can accumulate very quickly, so it is highly recommended that you file a claim against the company responsible for your exposure to asbestos. A successful claim will ensure that you recover the following damages:

 

• All medical expenses associated with treating the disease
• Lost wages if you are no longer able to work
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma

Philadelphia Asbestos Lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler Help Recover Compensation for Mechanics Diagnosed with Mesothelioma

If you work as a mechanic and you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos at work, do not hesitate to contact the Philadelphia asbestos lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler. We understand how devastating a diagnosis like this can be, and the impact it can have on you and your family. Our highly skilled legal team will review the details of your case and help you recover the financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 215-569-4000. You can also complete and submit our online form. Our office is located in Philadelphia, and we proudly serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.