Richard Moyle who is the National Awareness Coordinator at the Mesothelioma Cancer Center contacted me about posting an article related to asbestos exposure. He wanted to raise awareness
among car mechanics and car enthusiasts, who may repair their own vehicles.

Cancer Risk for Auto Mechanics
A high-quality mechanic is priceless and mechanics play a fundamental role in the well being of the United States economy. Mechanics are essential to our country because they repair and maintain vehicles so that the transportation needs of America are met. Unfortunately, due to the presence of asbestos in auto parts like brakes and clutches, the health of many auto mechanics is at risk.
Exposure happens when materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged. When this occurs, dust full of microscopic asbestos fibers is let loose into the air. As there is recurrent abrasion on brake pads and clutches, a large amount of the toxic material is trapped inside the brake housing or clutch space, and is then released when replacement or repair work is done. Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of a rare and aggressive cancer known as mesothelioma.
Symptoms of mesothelioma usually do not show up until 15 to 25 years after exposure. Doctors often find it difficult to treat the cancer effectively because typically it is not diagnosed until the disease is in its advanced stages. It is estimated that since 1940 more than six million mechanics have been exposed to asbestos in brakes. The increasing rate of asbestos-related illnesses has resulted in mechanics, veterans and people of other at-risk occupations filing mesothelioma lawsuits to be compensated for their unjust illness.
Mechanics and enthusiasts who do auto restoration on older vehicles should take the right precautions to avoid asbestos exposure. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a detailed brochure that offers information regarding OSHA’s regulations for commercial automotive shops concerning asbestos.