If you like to or get paid to work on cars, you probably know just about everything there is to know about how motor vehicles work. You may be able to easily identify a problem and make the necessary repairs or figure out how to make a car better and safer.
However, there could be a serious problem that many people in this situation may not know about: the risk of asbestos exposure. If you work in the automotive industry, you could be at risk for toxic exposure on the job as a result of the asbestos that has been and continues to be used in automotive parts.
Asbestos can be found in parts like gaskets, brake pads and clutches. While asbestos may not be used as extensively today as it was in previous decades, it is still used and can often be found in cars and products made several years ago.
Generally speaking, asbestos may not pose a serious threat to people if it is intact. However, if it is disturbed and starts crumbling or deteriorating, it can be released in the air and breathed in by people where it has the potential to do considerable damage.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has a number of rules and guidelines in place to keep in the automotive industry safe from asbestos exposure, like using vacuums and wetting down contaminated materials, but they can only be effective if they are rigidly and consistently enforced.
If you work in the automotive industry and have reason to believe that you may have been exposed to toxic asbestos, you may have grounds to seek ‘ and/or a personal injury claim. To learn more about your options and take the steps necessary to seek , it can be crucial to speak with an attorney sooner, rather than later.
