Asbestos in Clutch Facings
There is a common misconception that asbestos clutch facings have been banned and off the United States market for decades. Unfortunately this is not the case. Although the EPA banned asbestos in 1989, the ruling was overturned on a technicality in 1991. Although heavily regulated, asbestos continues to be a legal substance in the United States. A quick search on the internet will yield many overseas manufacturers of asbestos clutch facings, which can be legally imported to the US. While today’s clutch facings contain far less asbestos than those manufactured before about 1980, the EPA has stated that there is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos. And aftermarket parts containing high levels of asbestos continue to flood the market and pose a major risk for mechanics, hobbyists, and anyone else who works with older cars.
Asbestos was the obvious choice for friction products such as clutch facings: it brings strength and heat resistance to friction-generating parts, and impervious to corrosion, rust, and flame. However, asbestos is also lethal. Exposure to asbestos contained in clutch facings and other products has been proven to cause serious respiratory illnesses, including
mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer that attacks the lungs, abdomen and heart.
When automotive parts containing asbestos are disturbed or damaged, they can release millions of microscopic asbestos fibers into the air. These fibers can appear as a dust or be completely invisible. Once released, asbestos fibers can remain suspended in the air for hours or even days. The very function of clutch mechanisms is to create friction and continual abrasion, constantly releasing asbestos fibers. A large portion of asbestos dust will collect inside the clutch space or brake housing, and then will be released when replacement or repair work is performed. Asbestos fibers can also be spread around the area by vacuums used to clean the work area, potentially exposing other mechanics or even customers. Asbestos fibers can also be brought home on the dusty clothing of mechanics, exposing family members to the toxic dust.
Mesothelioma lawyers may be able to help you.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease from workplace or home exposure to asbestos, contact an experienced
mesothelioma lawyer immediately.
Mesothelioma attorneys have helped thousands of mesothelioma patients win compensation for lost wages and medical costs.
Asbestos companies knew of the risks of
asbestos exposure for decades before the public knew. There are avenues to compensation for their criminal actions.
Asbestos attorneys can help.