Older Automobiles Could Expose People to Asbestos

Asbestos often shows up in the brake pads of older vehicles.

While the auto industry relied heavily on asbestos in various components of cars, trucks, vans and other vehicles, especially brake pads, for decades because of the positive attributes that the substance brings, the industry has largely phased out its use as people have become more aware of the harmful aspects of asbestos exposure. However, businesses and professionals that service and repair older vehicles may come into contact with this dangerous substance. Buildings in which mechanics have worked on older vehicles, particularly those built before the 1980s, may have asbestos contamination, and mechanics may face increased risks of asbestos exposure. Across Miami-Dade County and South Florida, asbestos may lurk in auto repair facilities, but top asbestos removal Miami companies can inspect these facilities for the dangerous substance and eliminate it when found.

Although asbestos looms large as a danger for people working on older cars, including mechanics and auto enthusiasts, the substance lurks as a wider problem in older buildings across the area, especially those built prior to the 1980s. Aging buildings across the region, including courthouses, civic centers and city halls up and down the coast, may contain asbestos, once a commonly used building material. Before demolishing or renovating older structures, people should take precautions to get asbestos removed from the structures. People in the Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast can use the services of top asbestos abatement palm beach businesses to clear asbestos from older houses, condominiums, apartment buildings, schools, libraries and other structures.

Asbestos can cause an array of symptoms, and long-term exposure to the substance can have devastating health impacts on people. Common symptoms of asbestos exposure include shortness of breath, a persistent dry cough, loss of appetite and chest pain. Over time, people exposed to asbestos can develop various pulmonary diseases and forms of cancer. These include mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.