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Avoid Asbestos While Changing Your Brakes

Changing brake pads is a common task for vehicle maintenance, but it carries potential health risks due to asbestos, a hazardous mineral still found in some imported brake products.

While many countries, including the United States, heavily regulate asbestos, products from regions with less stringent oversight—such a`s China—pose significant risks. This article explores the dangers of asbestos in brake pads, the health consequences of exposure, its historical use in the automotive industry, and critical steps to minimize exposure.

The Risks of Asbestos in Brake Pads

Asbestos was widely used in brake pads and linings for its durability, heat resistance, and friction properties. Despite known health hazards, it remains in some imported products, particularly from countries with weaker regulations. While U.S. laws restrict asbestos use, imported materials often bypass stricter standards, reintroducing this carcinogen into automotive parts.

When brake pads wear down or are replaced, asbestos fibers may become airborne, especially during cleaning or sanding. Mechanics and DIY enthusiasts face significant risks if proper precautions are not taken, as inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to severe diseases.

Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure

The inhalation of asbestos fibers is directly linked to severe health conditions, including:

1. Mesothelioma

This aggressive cancer affects the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue covering internal organs. Mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Even minimal exposure over time can lead to this disease, often appearing decades after initial contact.

2. Lung Cancer

Asbestos fibers lodge in lung tissue, causing inflammation and cellular damage, which can lead to lung cancer. Smoking significantly amplifies the risk for those exposed to asbestos.

3. Asbestosis

This chronic lung disease results from scarring caused by inhaled asbestos fibers, leading to difficulty breathing and reduced lung function.

These conditions are life-threatening, underscoring the need for strict avoidance of asbestos exposure. It should also be stressed that while long-term exposure to asbestos is a more-likely-than-not situation for developing a cancer or illness, even one instance of exposure can prove deadly.

History of Asbestos in the Automotive Industry

The Rise of Asbestos in Automotive Parts

Asbestos gained prominence in the automotive industry during the early 20th century due to its superior thermal resistance and durability. In addition to brake pads, asbestos was used in several other car parts, including:

  • Clutch facings

  • Valve rings

  • Gaskets

  • Heat seals

  • Hoodliners

Other typical vehicle maintenance procedures, such as catalytic converter repair/replacement can expose workers to asbestos hazards as well. These parts needed to withstand extreme heat and pressure, making asbestos an ideal choice.

Regulations and Decline

Despite knowing the dangers, the automotive industry used asbestos for years, up until the truth eventually came out about the carcinogenic properties of asbestos fibers, at least to the general public. This information had been well known and well documented by the industry for a long time, but the availability of the information as time went on made it impossible to suppress it any longer. 

By the 1970s and 1980s, the health risks of asbestos were widely recognized, leading to stricter regulations in many countries. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) imposed restrictions on asbestos use. However, complete bans were never enacted, allowing certain uses, including in imported products.

Imported Parts and Loopholes

Despite domestic regulations, imported brake pads, particularly from China and other countries, continue to pose risks. These products may contain asbestos due to lower manufacturing standards and oversight.

OSHA’s Recommendations: Assume Asbestos Is Present

OSHA advises mechanics to assume all old brake linings contain asbestos unless proven otherwise. This cautionary approach helps prevent accidental exposure when working with older vehicles or unknown brake materials.

Brake and clutch dust from older vehicles often contains asbestos fibers. Common tasks like cleaning brake components with compressed air or sanding linings can release these fibers into the air, creating an inhalation hazard.

Steps to Avoid Asbestos-Containing Brake Products

1. Verify the Source

When purchasing brake pads or linings, check the origin of the product. Opt for reputable manufacturers that guarantee asbestos-free materials. Avoid unbranded or low-cost imports, particularly from regions with weak regulations.

2. Use Certified Asbestos-Free Products

Look for certifications indicating the product is asbestos-free. Many manufacturers now advertise their commitment to safe, asbestos-free alternatives like ceramic or metallic brake pads.

3. Practice Safe Brake Maintenance

If working on brakes:

  • Wear Protective Gear: Use a respirator rated for asbestos and disposable gloves.

  • Avoid Dry Cleaning Methods: Never use compressed air or brushes that can release fibers. Instead, use a HEPA vacuum or wet cleaning methods to minimize dust.

  • Work in Ventilated Areas: Proper ventilation reduces the risk of inhaling airborne fibers.

  • Dispose of Waste Safely: Collect and seal all brake dust and waste in marked, airtight containers for proper disposal.

4. Choose Professional Services

When in doubt, have your brakes serviced by certified professionals who follow OSHA guidelines for asbestos safety.

5. Educate Yourself

Stay informed about asbestos risks and products. Organizations like OSHA and the EPA provide valuable resources for identifying hazardous materials and safe practices.

Alternatives to Asbestos-Containing Brake Pads

The effort to remove all varieties of asbestos-containing materials from our vehicles must include an effort to develop new products that are cheap and durable enough for manufacturers to use as an alternative. The good news is, that there are modern efforts to develop brake pads that do not contain asbestos, as well as asbestos-free gasket materials. Modern brake pads have largely replaced asbestos with safer materials, including:

  • Ceramic Brake Pads: Offer excellent performance and durability.

  • Metallic Brake Pads: Provide strong heat resistance and are widely available.

  • Organic Brake Pads: Made from non-toxic fibers like rubber and resin.

Choosing these alternatives ensures both safety and reliable vehicle performance.

Conclusion

With so many available studies that demonstrate the danger of asbestos exposure for mechanics and those who work in the automotive industry, it is vital for business owners not to be negligent and for automotive workers to ensure that they are given all the necessary personal protective equipment needed in order to safely work in an environment that may contain asbestos. This includes business owners being aware of this long and prevalent history of asbestos in the automotive industry.

Asbestos contamination in brake pads remains a hidden danger, especially with imported products from countries like China. Given the severe health risks of asbestos exposure, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, it is critical to avoid materials that may contain this hazardous mineral. By understanding its history in the automotive industry, recognizing the risks of imported parts, and following OSHA’s recommendations, both professionals and DIY mechanics can protect themselves. Opting for certified asbestos-free alternatives and safe handling practices will ensure you stay safe while maintaining your vehicle.