Mesothelioma Risk Found Among Asbestos Brake and Clutch Manufacturer Workers

An article recently published in Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology reports on the effects of asbestos exposure among workers in Iran’s automobile brake and clutch manufacturing industry.

Although many are under the impression that asbestos has been banned in the United States, the toxic mineral has not been banned and is still used in a variety of friction and construction products. A number of automobile brakes and clutches on the U.S. market still contain asbestos and the same can be said for the brake and clutch market in Iran.

Because asbestos exposure affects humans the same regardless of political boarders, studies conducted on asbestos exposure in Iran still offer valuable insight to scientists, medical practitioners and workers at risk of asbestos exposure throughout the world. Asbestos is known to cause a variety of conditions and diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma.

The study reports that approximately 2,000 tons of chrysotile asbestos (the most common form of asbestos) is used annually to manufacture friction materials in Iran. Around 3,000 workers in Iran are exposed to asbestos through the processes involved in the manufacture of automobile brakes and clutches.

Researchers state, “In the current study, asbestos fiber concentrations during brake and clutch manufacture were measured. This study also evaluated the fiber size and morphology distribution according to the Asbestos International Association (AIA) for standardization analytical method for asbestos.”

To collect data the study utilized a phase contrast microscopy (PCM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDX). These high resolution instruments revealed sample measurements to contain approximately 50 percent chrysotile, 30 percent tremolite and 20 percent actinolite.

Based on this data, it was determined that 50 percent of airborne asbestos fibers inhaled by the workers were of the amphibole variety (tremolite and actinolite). Researchers also determined the length and diameter of the fibers were enough to be considered harmful to humans.

Based upon the data the researchers concluded, “Thus, it might be expected that the workers would suffer from the negative health effects of being exposed to the amphibole asbestos fibers. Meanwhile, banning the use of asbestos and the conventional technology as well as shifting to produce high quality non-asbestos brake lining and clutch facing are strongly recommended.”

Additional information on mesothelioma and how asbestos causes this cancer may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.

This entry was posted on Friday, March 12th, 2010 at 11:02 am and is filed under Asbestos Exposure, Mesothelioma. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. Responses are currently closed, but you trackback from your own site.