{"id":22049,"date":"2023-06-15T10:24:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-15T14:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/?page_id=22049"},"modified":"2025-08-18T22:54:48","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T02:54:48","slug":"automotive-workers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/occupations\/automotive-workers\/","title":{"rendered":"Mesothelioma and Automotive Mechanics"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Why Are Automotive Workers at Risk of Mesothelioma?<\/h2>\n<p>Many automotive workers serviced vehicles that used asbestos-containing products like brakes or insulation. These workers may have inhaled asbestos fibers, which can lead to cancer later in life.<\/p>\n<p>Once asbestos enters the body, it lodges within the lining of the lungs or other organs and does not leave.<\/p>\n<p>Over 10-50 years, the fibers irritate the body and can cause cancerous <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/\">mesothelioma<\/a> cells to develop. Automotive workers may also develop other asbestos-related diseases like lung cancer or asbestosis.<\/p>\n<p>Each year, many mechanics, other asbestos automotive workers, or their loved ones get diagnosed with asbestos diseases like mesothelioma. Thankfully, victims affected by asbestos exposure can get treatments and financial payouts by working with our team.<\/p>\n<p>Learn what resources may be available to your family in our<strong> Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong>, shipped overnight right to your door.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"1361\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default image-right has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default\">.widget_oscar-vque.default{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{background:#2F293D;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div{display:block;display:flex;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{max-width:90%;margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:auto}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div{display:block;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div{float:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div:first-child{width:27%;padding:30px}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div.vque-content{width:73%;padding-left:0}}<\/style><a href=\"\/mesothelioma-guide\/\" title=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"296\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma Guide Images\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png 296w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-55x55.png 55w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-102x100.png 102w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 296px) 100vw, 296px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"heading\">Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>Symptoms &amp; staging<\/li>\n<li>Average prognosis<\/li>\n<li>Life-extending treatments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Guide\">Get Your Free Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"workers\">Automotive Workers at High Risk of Asbestos Exposure<\/h2>\n<p>Mechanics who handled automotive parts made with asbestos were at the highest risk of exposure. They may have been exposed to <a href=\"\/asbestos\/\">asbestos<\/a> while removing or repairing auto parts, rebuilding vehicles, or performing vehicle maintenance.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Specific workers with a high risk of asbestos exposure include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"columns-2\">\n<li>Auto mechanics<\/li>\n<li>Automotive plant workers<\/li>\n<li>Brake mechanics<\/li>\n<li>Clutch repair workers<\/li>\n<li>Engine rebuilders<\/li>\n<li>Managers<\/li>\n<li>Military mechanics<\/li>\n<li>Staff in auto repair shops\/garages (e.g., apprentices)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Auto workers who are also <a href=\"\/veterans\/\">U.S. veterans<\/a> are at an increased risk of mesothelioma, since all U.S. military branches used asbestos products from the 1930s until the early 1980s.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/dennis-ellipse.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;We knew asbestos was in things, but <strong>we didn\u2019t know it was dangerous<\/strong>.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Dennis R., automotive worker with mesothelioma<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<h3>Secondhand Asbestos Exposure in Automotive Families<\/h3>\n<p>Family members and loved ones who lived with automotive workers may have been <a href=\"\/asbestos\/exposure\/\">exposed to asbestos<\/a> secondhand.<\/p>\n<p>Asbestos automotive workers could unknowingly bring home fibers on their hair, skin, or clothes. Family members could then have been exposed when the workers came home. Further, anyone who worked on cars that used asbestos in their own home garages could kick up dust and put their loved ones at risk.<\/p>\n<p>Many family members of auto mechanics who used asbestos have developed mesothelioma \u2014 even though they never actually worked on cars themselves \u2014 due to this secondhand exposure.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"exposure\">How Were Automotive Workers Exposed to Asbestos?<\/h2>\n<p>Prior to the early 1980s (when the health risks of asbestos became public knowledge), asbestos automotive workers regularly used products containing asbestos in cars and other vehicles.<\/p>\n<p>Many daily tasks could have exposed mechanics to asbestos dust as a result.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Auto workers could come in contact with asbestos by:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"columns-2\">\n<li>Assembling or packing asbestos products in factories<\/li>\n<li>Beveling, sanding, and grinding brakes<\/li>\n<li>Changing gaskets, heat seals, or hood liners<\/li>\n<li>Installing and changing asbestos brake pads<\/li>\n<li>Performing automotive bodywork<\/li>\n<li>Repairing transmissions<\/li>\n<li>Working on clutch parts or electrical wiring<\/li>\n<li>Spraying down asbestos dust with a hose<\/li>\n<li>Using a shop vacuum<\/li>\n<li>Using a dry cloth to clean up asbestos dust<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"simple-callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.simple-callout-shortcode{border:1px solid #0FAEBF;border-radius:4px;padding:10px 20px;margin:25px 0}.simple-callout-shortcode .simple-callout-shortcode-heading{display:block}.simple-callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.simple-callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.simple-callout-shortcode ul{margin-top:15px;margin-bottom:15px}.simple-callout-shortcode ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.simple-callout-shortcode{max-width:75%}}<\/style><strong class=\"simple-callout-shortcode-heading\">Asbestos Auto Workers: Get Help<\/strong><div class=\"content\"><p><a href=\"\/about\/contact\/\">Contact us now<\/a> for free medical and financial resources after a mesothelioma diagnosis.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"products\">Asbestos in Automotive Products<\/h2>\n<p>Asbestos use was rampant in automotive brake pads, insulation, and many other car parts for decades. Asbestos automotive mechanics relied on this substance since it helped keep car parts fireproof and durable.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Here are some asbestos auto parts workers may have handled:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"columns-2\">\n<li>Brake pads, brake linings, and brake shoes<\/li>\n<li>Clutch parts, discs, facings, and linings<\/li>\n<li>Fume hoods<\/li>\n<li>Gaskets<\/li>\n<li>Hood liners<\/li>\n<li>Insulation (heat seals, heat shields, heat liners)<\/li>\n<li>Torque valves<\/li>\n<li>Transmission parts like housing and plates<\/li>\n<li>Valve rings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-27962 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/MH_car_graphic.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of a classic blue car with labeled sections highlighting parts that may contain asbestos. Four numbered categories are shown: (1) Under the Hood \u2013 engine gaskets, transmission housing, transmission plates; (2) Body\/Throughout \u2013 gaskets, mufflers; (3) Clutch \u2013 clutch discs, clutch facings, clutch linings; and (4) Brakes \u2013 brake housings, brake linings, brake pads, brake shoes, disc brakes. Icons and dotted lines point to the corresponding areas of the car.\" width=\"900\" height=\"581\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/MH_car_graphic.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/MH_car_graphic-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/MH_car_graphic-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/MH_car_graphic-155x100.jpg 155w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Handling asbestos-containing parts, removing them, or installing new parts would stir up asbestos dust. The workers would inhale this dust \u2014 sometimes on a daily basis.<\/p>\n<h3>Automotive Unions and Asbestos Exposure<\/h3>\n<p>Automotive industry unions were not safe from asbestos exposure. Many union workers were exposed to asbestos and later developed mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Members of these unions may have been exposed to asbestos:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"columns-2\">\n<li>Delphi Chassis Kettering Operations<\/li>\n<li>General Motors of Ohio<\/li>\n<li>Indiana Local 907<\/li>\n<li>Indiana Visteon (Ford Motor Company)<\/li>\n<li>IUE-GM Delphi-Valeo-DMAX Conference Board<\/li>\n<li>Michigan Local 436A FW<\/li>\n<li>Meridian Automotive Systems (Michigan)<\/li>\n<li>Moraine Assembly<\/li>\n<li>Ohio Local 755<\/li>\n<li>Ohio Local 798<\/li>\n<li>United Automobile Workers Union (UAW)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Is Asbestos Still a Risk in the Automotive Industry?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Yes.<\/strong> Asbestos continues to put mechanics at risk if they don\u2019t take proper safety measures when working on older vehicles that may have asbestos parts inside.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><strong class=\"callout-shortcode-heading\">Is Asbestos in Current Auto Parts?<\/strong><div class=\"content\"><p>Asbestos is not normally used to make auto parts today. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that some brakes and clutches still contain asbestos as of 2023.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>However, there are now practices to help protect auto workers who could be exposed to asbestos in auto brakes, clutches, and other products.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Regulations of asbestos use include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Asbestos exposure workplace limits:<\/strong> The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set permissible limits for asbestos exposure in the workplace. Employers are not to exceed this limit and auto workers have the right to a hazard-free workplace.<\/li>\n<li><strong>New possible chrysotile asbestos ban:<\/strong> The EPA proposed a ban on new uses of chrysotile asbestos (the most commonly used type in the U.S.) in 2022. It is currently awaiting a decision by Congress.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Partial asbestos-containing products ban:<\/strong> Many, but not all, asbestos-containing products are banned by the EPA. The agency has also outlined guidelines to help keep mechanics working on brakes and clutches safe from asbestos exposure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Still, many cases of mesothelioma in auto mechanics are reported every year in those who were exposed before these precautions were taken. This is because there\u2019s <strong>no way to prevent mesothelioma<\/strong> in automotive workers who were already exposed.<\/p>\n<p>If you were exposed to asbestos in auto parts and now have mesothelioma, we can help you find treatment and financial resources. Get all the details in our <strong>Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"1361\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default image-right has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default\">.widget_oscar-vque.default{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{background:#2F293D;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div{display:block;display:flex;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{max-width:90%;margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:auto}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div{display:block;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div{float:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div:first-child{width:27%;padding:30px}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div.vque-content{width:73%;padding-left:0}}<\/style><a href=\"\/mesothelioma-guide\/\" title=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"296\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma Guide Images\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png 296w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-55x55.png 55w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-102x100.png 102w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 296px) 100vw, 296px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"heading\">Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>Symptoms &amp; staging<\/li>\n<li>Average prognosis<\/li>\n<li>Life-extending treatments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Guide\">Get Your Free Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Preventing Asbestos Exposure in Auto Workers<\/h2>\n<p>Since asbestos is still a risk in auto workplaces, there are a number of measures mechanics and shop owners can take to safeguard against exposure.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Some of these prevention methods include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Wiping down areas with possible asbestos dust with a wet cloth \u2014 rather than spraying the area or using a dry rag.<\/li>\n<li>Using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum to clean asbestos dust, as this specific type of vacuum helps keep dust enclosed so it does not linger in the air.<\/li>\n<li>Using a wet cleaning system or a device that wets potential asbestos and catches any residual product.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Treatment for Auto Workers With Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>Auto mechanics with mesothelioma have a number of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and clinical trials (emerging treatments).<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/treatment\/\">Mesothelioma treatments<\/a> vary from one person to the next. The treatment that will work for you or a loved one will depend on a number of factors, such as your health at the time of diagnosis, mesothelioma stage, and age.<\/p>\n<p>If you seek treatment from top <a href=\"\/treatment\/doctors\/\">mesothelioma doctors<\/a>, you\u2019ll have access to the most effective forms of care and a team of specialists ready to help you.<\/p>\n<p><strong>We can help you find top mesothelioma doctors in your area.<\/strong> Use our <a href=\"\/get-matched\/\">Free Doctor Match<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"compensation\">Compensation for Automotive Workers With Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>Asbestos automotive workers with mesothelioma may be able to get financial compensation. Payments could help cover cancer treatment costs, the pain and suffering you have endured, and more.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Financial options for auto workers with mesothelioma include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Asbestos trust fund claims<\/strong>: <a href=\"\/legal\/asbestos-trust-funds\/\">Asbestos trust funds<\/a> were established when certain asbestos product manufacturers filed for bankruptcy to avoid facing private lawsuits. You may qualify if your exposure to asbestos can be traced to certain asbestos-containing products. There\u2019s <strong>over $30 billion available<\/strong> in these funds as of today.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mesothelioma lawsuits:<\/strong> It may be possible to file <a href=\"\/legal\/lawsuit\/\">mesothelioma lawsuits<\/a> against companies that don\u2019t have asbestos trust funds. These lawsuits usually award<strong> between $1 million and $1.4 million<\/strong> on average.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Veterans benefits<\/strong><strong>:<\/strong> If you were a mechanic in the military, you may be able to apply for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Currently, most <a href=\"\/veterans\/va-benefits\/\">mesothelioma VA benefits<\/a> packages award <strong>$4,044.91 a month<\/strong> and allow veterans to get medical treatment at little to no cost.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Settlements and Verdicts for Asbestos Automotive Workers<\/h3>\n<p>Mesothelioma lawsuits can award financial aid through either an out-of-court settlement or a trial verdict.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Notable settlements and verdicts for mesothelioma auto workers include: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>$34 million<\/strong> verdict against Ford Motor Company<\/li>\n<li><strong>$20 million<\/strong> verdict against Ford<\/li>\n<li><strong>$6.76 million<\/strong> in a <a href=\"\/legal\/settlements\/\">mesothelioma settlement<\/a> for a Florida auto mechanic<\/li>\n<li><strong>$6 million<\/strong> verdict against Ford<\/li>\n<li><strong>$4 million<\/strong> in settlements for an Illinois mechanic<\/li>\n<li><strong>$3.14 million<\/strong> in settlements for a Michigan auto worker<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>All of the verdicts and settlements above were secured by Simmons Hanly Conroy, the official legal sponsor of Mesothelioma Hope and one of the nation\u2019s top asbestos law firms.<\/p>\n<p>Arthur \u201cArt\u201d Putt, a California auto mechanic and <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/pleural\/\">pleural mesothelioma<\/a> survivor, received multiple life-changing mesothelioma settlements by working with the firm.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cWe gave all that money to our kids, paid all their debts off, paid our house off and made our life a little easier because we had no financial worries.\u201d<br \/>\n<strong>\u2014 Art Putt, Auto Mechanic With Mesothelioma<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>The mesothelioma lawyers at Simmons Hanly Conroy have secured <strong>more than $10.3B for clients across the country,<\/strong> including millions for auto mechanics. <a href=\"\/simmons-hanly-conroy\/\">See if our legal partners can help with your case too<\/a> during a Free Case Review.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"help\">How We Help Auto Workers Facing a Mesothelioma Diagnosis<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re an automotive mechanic with mesothelioma, you may be owed compensation for the harm you\u2019ve suffered.<\/p>\n<p>Mesothelioma Hope can connect you with top doctors, support groups, veterans resources, and much more.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/mesothelioma-guide\/\">Get Your Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/a> to learn how we can help patients and families impacted by this disease.<\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-wrap\"><h2 class=\"faq-wrap-heading\">Mesothelioma and Auto Mechanics FAQs<\/h2><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"1\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Do mechanics get exposed to asbestos?<\/h3><div><p><strong>Yes,<\/strong> car mechanics can be exposed to asbestos while repairing, building, or maintaining vehicles. Exposure occurs due to handling car parts made with asbestos-containing products.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"2\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Are car brakes still made with asbestos?<\/h3><div><p>While the use of asbestos in new brake pads manufactured in the U.S. has been banned, many older vehicles and replacement brake parts may still contain asbestos.<\/p>\n<p>This means that mechanics and car hobbyists performing brake repairs on older vehicles or aftermarket brake parts could still be exposed to asbestos dust.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"3\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">How much asbestos are in car brakes?<\/h3><div><p>According to the EPA, you cannot tell whether a vehicle contains asbestos brakes or other asbestos products simply by looking at them.<\/p>\n<p>The EPA instructs that for new vehicles, you may be able to look at their labels (Material Safety Data Sheets) to find out what products the cars contain.<\/p>\n<p>For older vehicles, the EPA advises that mechanics should assume all older vehicles (those manufactured before 1980) contain asbestos products and take proper precautions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"4\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Why was asbestos used in brake pads?<\/h3><div><p>Brake pads relied on asbestos to make them more durable and reduce friction.<\/p>\n<p>Asbestos is very sturdy and naturally fireproof, so it was thought to be an ideal substance for use in brake pads, linings, and other brake components. However, exposure to asbestos is now known to cause mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"5\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Where is asbestos found in an auto shop?<\/h3><div><p>Asbestos-containing products could be found all throughout auto shops. Car parts like brake pads, gaskets, and insulation were made with asbestos for decades on end.<\/p>\n<p>Further, asbestos could be found lingering in the air in auto shops. As asbestos automotive workers performed their duties, fibers could get kicked up and anyone working in the shop could inhale or swallow them.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"6\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Are mechanics at risk of lung cancer?<\/h3><div><p><strong>Yes,<\/strong> mechanics may be at risk for developing asbestos-related lung cancer due to handling asbestos-containing car parts.<\/p>\n<p>Asbestos exposure in mechanics and other auto workers can lead to <a href=\"\/cancer\/lung-cancer\/\">lung cancer<\/a>, mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related illnesses.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"Do mechanics get exposed to asbestos?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Yes,&lt;\/strong&gt; car mechanics can be exposed to asbestos while repairing, building, or maintaining vehicles. 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Many automotive workers serviced vehicles that used asbestos-containing products like brakes or insulation. These workers may have inhaled asbestos fibers, which can lead to cancer later in life. Once asbestos enters the body, it lodges within the lining of the lungs or other organs and does not&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":27962,"parent":924,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-22049","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22049","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22049"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22049\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/924"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27962"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22049"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}