Asbestos was mainly used in friction products and every time these would get grinded, asbestos particles would be released in the atmosphere through the dust produced by the workers. They were subjected to the exposure of asbestos not only from the automotive products but also from the machinery found in these plants that were insulated with it like turbines, pumps or boilers.
Due to the prolonged asbestos exposure, the automotive workers went through, they are at risk of developing later diseases related to this toxic mineral-like lung cancer, asbestosis or mesothelioma. Unfortunately, the symptoms of these illnesses start showing up when the treatment can't be effective anymore as the body is already weakened by age.
Automotive workers would also be present in the military. They were responsible for building, assembling, maintaining, repairing and replacing the automotive components of various military vehicles. Since products such as brakes and clutches were manufactured with asbestos, their exposure was heavy. When they would perform work on automotive components, they would disturb asbestos, which released a tremendous amount of toxic fibers in the air. Thereby, exposure occurred to a great extent in automotive workers in the military.
Relevant job titles
- grinder
- clutch assembler
- brakes assembler
- brakes installer
- foundry worker
- iron pourer
- gasket worker
- gasket polisher
- gasket machine operator
- assembler
- dismantle helper
- hood technician
- oil change technician
- pit technician
- vehicle mechanic
- automobile shop worker
- automobile supply store worker