Unfortunately, mechanics have not only been unknowingly been exposed to asbestos for many years in the past, but some of them may still be exposed today.  Brakes and clutches traditionally contained high levels of asbestos and replacing these parts involved exposure to millions of asbestos fibers with each brake job or clutch change.  In recent years it has been discovered that automatic transmission bands also contained asbestos for many years and workers performing work that required the opening of this auto part may have suffered asbestos exposures as well. Mufflers gaskets and other vehicle components also contained asbestos.  As reported by the EPA, not only are the mechanic in danger, but mesotheliomas have been reported in family members of mechanics who brought their asbestos contaminated clothes home to be washed.

For more information and guidance on how to avoid future exposure to asbestos from work on cars, trucks and other vehicles, click on the below EPA and OSHA links.

http://www.epa.gov/oppt/asbestos/pubs/brakesbrochure.html

http://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib072606.html