Owning your own vehicle is part of the American dream and is filled with contentment and rewards. But it also brings about many additional responsibilities. It is regarded as a ìproblem of the past,î but many car owners are unaware that asbestos still remains a concern in the automotive world.

For the greater part of the 20th century, asbestos was utilized by car manufacturers in brake pads, linings and gaskets. Asbestos seemed to be the obvious choice for car manufacturers due to its flame resistant, durable and inexpensive qualities. Today, as asbestos has not been completely banned from use many of these products may still contain asbestos. This poses a severe health risk to auto mechanics and car owners who maintain their own vehicles.

One-time asbestos exposure does not always lead to a related illness, but frequent inhalation of its dust can lead to pleural mesothelioma. This is a rare, but severe form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers can also be ingested leading to peritoneal mesothelioma. Because the symptoms of mesothelioma do not usually show up until about 15 to 25 years after exposure, it is typically disgnosed in its advanced stages and is very difficult for doctors to treat.

The amount of incidents in relation to the asbestos scandal has lead to mesothelioma attorneys protecting victimsí rights by helping them file lawsuits against the companies who are responsible. The asbestos and corporate industries were aware of the health hazards involved with asbestos, but continued the widespread manufacturing of the substance anyways. Millions of people have been wrongfully exposed for financial gain.

When materials that contain asbestos become damaged, they can release its fibers into the air. A big portion of the substance is inside the brake housing or clutch space and can become airborne when repairs or work is performed. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has set further standards in working with asbestos and avoiding auto-mobile exposure. By following their listed practices, car owners and mechanics can substantially minimize the chances of asbestos exposure.