Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the linings of the organs, including the pleura (the lungs), the pericardium (the heart) and the peritoneum (the abdominal cavity). It has one known cause - exposure to asbestos. Rates of mesothelioma among particular occupations that work or worked intensely with asbestos products are many times higher than in the general population.

Among the workers most likely to be exposed to asbestos in the course of their work are automotive mechanics and technicians who work with automotive clutches. It is a common misconception that the hazards of asbestos are a thing of the past because of widespread bans on the manufacture of products containing asbestos. In truth, those bans only apply to a limited number of products and to "new uses" of asbestos in products. Those products that have always contained asbestos are often still in use, and manufactured in the same ways that they have always been. Among those products are clutch linings and parts. Anyone who works in the field of auto repair may be exposed to asbestos dust when repairing clutches.

To raise awareness of this and minimize the dangers of exposure to asbestos and the risks of developing mesothelioma because of that exposure, the EPA has updated their guidelines for working with asbestos containing brakes and clutch linings as of April 2007. The new brochure, Current Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers, replaces the 1986 document, Guidance for Preventing Asbestos Disease Among Auto Mechanics. The brochure describes safety precautions for handling and working with brakes and clutches that are made with asbestos. Below are some highlights condensed from the EPA brochure about working with asbestos containing brakes and automotive clutches.

The current laws about safety precautions in professional auto mechanic shops By law, any professional auto repair shop that does more than five brake repair jobs annually must conform to the guidelines detailed in the OSHA regulations at 29 CFR 1910.1001. If you repair or replace brakes or clutches as part of your work, your employer MUST follow these mandatory requirements. If your place of employment does not follow these guidelines, you may be at serious risk for asbestos exposure and the accompanying risk of developing mesothelioma. Home mechanics are not required to follow the safety procedures, but it is strongly suggested that they do so.

How do automotive clutches expose me to asbestos dust?

Some brake linings and clutch parts in use today both in new and older cars contain asbestos. During normal wear, the asbestos is ground down and may collect around the parts and in brake and clutch compartments. When the brake disk, clutch cover, drum or wheel is removed, that dust may be released into the air where it can be inhaled or swallowed.

Is there a way to tell if the clutch has asbestos parts?

Unfortunately, there is often no way to tell whether automobile parts contain asbestos. In newer models, there may be a warning label. For older cars, it's often impossible to tell. Therefore, OSHA and the EPA recommend that mechanics treat all clutches and brakes as if they contain asbestos.

What if I do my own brakes?

If you cannot determine whether your brakes or clutch are made with asbestos, the EPA suggests that you have them done professionally to avoid the risk of exposure and the chance of developing mesothelioma. If you do choose to repair your own clutch or brakes, you can find the safety suggestions and precautions at the EPA web site.

If you work with or worked with automotive clutches and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or an asbestos related disease, contact a lawyer with extensive mesothelioma experience to find out about your rights to compensation.

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