Using compressed air to clean brake dust was standard practice for decades—and creates the highest exposure levels. Always use wet methods or HEPA-filtered vacuums. Treat all brake dust as potentially hazardous.
For decades, auto mechanics inhaled asbestos fibers every time they performed brake or clutch work. While asbestos brakes are now banned, millions of mechanics were exposed, and some continue working on older vehicles with asbestos components.
Why Brakes Contained Asbestos
The Perfect Friction Material
Asbestos had properties ideal for braking systems:
| Property | Benefit for Brakes |
|---|---|
| Heat resistance | Withstands 500°F+ temperatures |
| Friction coefficient | Excellent stopping power |
| Durability | Long pad life |
| Low cost | Economical to manufacture |
| Stability | Consistent performance |
Asbestos made up 40-70% of brake pad composition in many products.
Where Asbestos Was Used
| Component | Asbestos Content |
|---|---|
| Brake pads | 30-70% |
| Brake shoes | 30-70% |
| Clutch facings | 40-80% |
| Brake linings | 30-70% |
| Gaskets | Variable |
How Mechanics Were Exposed
High-Exposure Activities
| Activity | Exposure Level | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Grinding/sanding pads | Very high | Creates fine dust |
| Compressed air blowing | Very high | Aerosolizes fibers |
| Drum brake cleaning | High | Accumulated dust |
| Removing old pads | High | Disturbs worn material |
| Clutch replacement | High | Worn facing material |
The Compressed Air Problem
Many shops used compressed air to clean brake dust, a practice that created visible dust clouds:
| Method | Fiber Release |
|---|---|
| Compressed air | Highest: spreads fibers throughout shop |
| Dry brushing | High: fibers become airborne |
| Vacuum (non-HEPA) | Moderate: exhausts fine fibers |
| Wet cleaning | Lowest: fibers trapped |
Compressed air cleaning was standard practice for decades before its dangers were understood.
The Numbers: Exposure Studies
Fiber Counts in Auto Shops
Research found concerning fiber levels during brake work:
| Activity | Fibers per cc | OSHA PEL |
|---|---|---|
| Blowing with compressed air | Up to 2.4 | 0.1 |
| Grinding brake shoes | Up to 1.9 | 0.1 |
| Removing brake drums | Up to 0.9 | 0.1 |
| Shop ambient (during work) | 0.1-0.5 | 0.1 |
Mechanics regularly exceeded OSHA’s permissible exposure limit during routine brake work.
Cumulative Exposure
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Brake jobs per week | 10-30 typical |
| Years in trade | Often 20-40 years |
| Exposure events | Thousands over career |
A career mechanic might have performed tens of thousands of brake jobs, each releasing asbestos fibers.
Current Risks
The 2024 EPA Ban
The EPA’s 2024 chrysotile ban finally prohibited asbestos in aftermarket brake products:
| Before 2024 | After 2024 |
|---|---|
| Aftermarket asbestos brakes allowed | Banned |
| Some imports contained asbestos | Imports prohibited |
| No labeling required | N/A |
However, risks remain from legacy vehicles and existing inventory.
Ongoing Exposure Sources
| Source | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| Classic/vintage vehicles | High (original asbestos parts) |
| Heavy trucks (older) | Moderate (longer service intervals) |
| Foreign imports (pre-2024) | Variable (some contained asbestos) |
| Industrial equipment | Moderate (slow parts replacement) |
Working on Older Vehicles
Mechanics restoring or servicing vehicles from 1980s or earlier should assume asbestos is present:
| Vehicle Age | Asbestos Likelihood |
|---|---|
| Pre-1980 | Very high |
| 1980-1990 | Moderate |
| 1990-2000 | Low |
| 2000+ | Very low (domestic) |
Protecting Yourself
If You’re Currently a Mechanic
| Protection | Application |
|---|---|
| Assume presence | Treat all brake dust as potentially hazardous |
| Wet methods | Use brake cleaner or water, never compressed air |
| HEPA vacuum | Only vacuums with HEPA filtration |
| Respirator | N100 or P100 when disturbing dust |
| Protective clothing | Prevent take-home exposure |
| Hygiene | Wash before eating, change clothes |
Safe Brake Work Practices
DO:
- Wet brake components before working
- Use HEPA-filtered vacuum systems
- Work in well-ventilated areas
- Wear appropriate respiratory protection
- Dispose of dust properly
DON’T:
- Use compressed air to clean brakes
- Dry brush brake components
- Eat or drink in work areas
- Wear work clothes home
- Ignore visible dust accumulation
If You Were a Mechanic
Documenting Your History
Record your exposure history now:
| Information | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Employment dates | Establishes exposure period |
| Shops worked at | Identifies premises liability |
| Work activities | Quantifies exposure |
| Brake brands used | Product liability |
| Safety equipment provided | Shows employer negligence |
Medical Monitoring
If you worked with asbestos brakes:
- Tell your doctor about your exposure history
- Watch for symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain
- Consider screening by discussing with your physician based on exposure level
- Don’t smoke because smoking dramatically increases lung cancer risk with asbestos exposure
Symptoms to Watch For
| Symptom | Significance |
|---|---|
| Persistent cough | May indicate lung changes |
| Shortness of breath | Could be early disease sign |
| Chest tightness | Needs evaluation |
| Unexplained fatigue | General health concern |
Remember: Symptoms may appear 20-50 years after exposure.
Legal Rights
Potential Claims
| Claim Type | Against |
|---|---|
| Product liability | Brake manufacturers |
| Premises liability | Shop owners |
| Workers’ compensation | Employers |
| Trust fund claims | Bankrupt manufacturers |
Time Limits
Statutes of limitations typically start at diagnosis, not exposure, but vary by state. Consult an attorney promptly if diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related disease.
Documentation Needed
| Evidence | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Employment records | Prove work history |
| W-2s, tax returns | Verify employers |
| Medical records | Document diagnosis |
| Witness statements | Corroborate exposure |
Related Occupations
Auto mechanics aren’t alone in brake/clutch asbestos exposure:
| Occupation | Exposure Source |
|---|---|
| Heavy equipment operators | Industrial brakes |
| Aviation mechanics | Aircraft brakes |
| Railroad workers | Train brakes |
| Heavy truck mechanics | Commercial vehicle brakes |
| Industrial maintenance | Machinery brakes/clutches |
Related Articles
- High-Risk Occupations
- Construction Workers and Asbestos
- Mesothelioma Latency Period
- EPA Chrysotile Ban
- Asbestos Exposure Guide
Did all brake pads contain asbestos?▼
Most brake pads manufactured before 1990 contained 30–70% asbestos. The material’s heat resistance and friction properties made it ideal for braking systems. While domestic production largely shifted to asbestos-free materials in the 1990s, some imported aftermarket brakes contained asbestos until the 2024 EPA ban.
Am I still at risk as a mechanic today?▼
The main risks today come from working on older vehicles (pre-1980) with original brake components or classic car restoration. The 2024 EPA ban eliminated asbestos from new aftermarket brakes, but legacy vehicles may still have asbestos parts. Always treat brake dust as potentially hazardous and use wet cleaning methods.
I worked as a mechanic decades ago. What should I do?▼
Document your work history including employers, dates, activities performed, and brake brands used. Inform your doctor about your asbestos exposure history. Watch for symptoms like persistent cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain. If diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related disease, consult an attorney about potential claims.
Can family members of mechanics get mesothelioma?▼
Yes. Secondary exposure (take-home exposure) occurs when asbestos fibers are carried home on work clothes, shoes, and skin. Family members of mechanics have developed mesothelioma from washing contaminated clothing or embracing workers before they changed. If you were exposed this way, mention it to your doctor.