Overview
Grinders — workers who use abrasive wheels to shape, smooth, and finish metal and other materials — faced asbestos exposure from asbestos-containing grinding wheels and from grinding on asbestos-containing materials like brakes, gaskets, and insulated equipment.
Moderate-High
Risk classification
Multiple
Exposure pathways
1930–1980
Peak exposure years
Asbestos Exposure Sources
| Exposure Source | Description | Exposure Level |
|---|---|---|
| Grinding wheels | Asbestos used for heat resistance | High |
| Cut-off wheels | Reinforced with asbestos | High |
| Brake work | Grinding asbestos brake components | Very High |
| Gasket work | Grinding asbestos gaskets | High |
| Equipment surfaces | Grinding insulated equipment | Moderate |
How Grinders Were Exposed
Key Facts
Used grinding wheels containing asbestos
Ground brake drums and rotors
Shaped and fitted asbestos gaskets
Ground on insulated equipment surfaces
Cut through asbestos-containing materials
Tool Exposure
Grinding wheels themselves contained asbestos:
- Asbestos provided heat resistance during grinding
- Wheel wear released asbestos fibers
- Changing wheels created exposure
- Grinding operation created asbestos-containing dust
Material Exposure
Grinding asbestos materials created intense exposure:
- Automotive brake and clutch work
- Fitting gaskets to equipment
- Removing insulation from machinery
- Surface preparation of insulated equipment
Brake Work Hazard
Grinders who worked on automotive brakes faced particularly high exposure. Grinding brake drums and rotors released concentrated asbestos fibers from the friction material.
Work Environments
Grinders worked in:
- Automotive repair: Brake and clutch work
- Metal fabrication: General grinding operations
- Shipyards: Ship repair
- Industrial maintenance: Equipment repair
- Manufacturing: Production operations
Related Occupations
Grinders worked alongside:
- Auto mechanics — Vehicle repair
- Welders — Metal fabrication
- Machinists — Machine shop work
- Pipefitters — Pipe work
- Millwrights — Equipment repair
Related Industries
Health Consequences
Grinders with asbestos exposure are at risk for:
- Mesothelioma: Cancer of the chest or abdominal lining
- Asbestosis: Progressive lung scarring
- Lung cancer: Especially combined with smoking
- Pleural disease: Thickening of lung lining
Legal Options
Grinders diagnosed with mesothelioma may pursue:
Asbestos Trust Funds
Abrasive product manufacturers have established trusts.
Additional Claims
- Product liability lawsuits: Against grinding wheel manufacturers
- Premises liability: Against facility owners
- Workers’ compensation: Through employer coverage