Aftermarket Brakes And yet, asbestos-containing products are still used in the automotive aftermarket industry in the US, primarily due to high sales of low-cost, asbestos-containing brake parts from countries such as China and India.
Can you get asbestos from brake dust?
A single nanogram of brake dust can contain around 90,000 asbestos fibers — a significant hazard even where exposure is limited. Mechanics may encounter asbestos when removing brakes. Many automotive manufacturers used asbestos for its affordability and heat-resistant properties.
Do disc brakes use asbestos?
In order to provide the resistance needed to sustain the heat produced by the friction process, asbestos was used heavily for this type of product. By being subjected to heat over and over, the asbestos would become friable and be released during the cleaning stage of the disc brakes replacement.
Does brake pads contain asbestos?
Asbestos has been a component of brake pads and linings, clutch facings and various gaskets for many years. Millions of brakes and clutches on cars, trucks, and on auto parts shelves still contain dangerous levels of the material, although it is not generally used in the production of new brakes or clutches.
What year did brake pads stop using asbestos?
Under federal law, asbestos brake production is supposed to stop in 1993 and auto manufacturers are supposed to stop using it in new cars by 1995. By 1997, all asbestos brake linings are supposed to be off store shelves and out of new cars.