Asbestos-laden Brakes Threaten Health of Nation's Auto Mechanics, Seattle Newspaper Study Concludes

SEATTLE - A recent study commissioned by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer has revealed that millions of brakes on cars and trucks, as well as millions of replacement brakes waiting to be installed, contain asbestos fibers that could endanger the health of auto mechanics across the nation.

photo-1Tests conducted for the newspaper by government-certified laboratories found high levels of asbestos contamination in gas stations and brake-repair shops in six states.

photo-2Exposure levels were high enough in some areas that public health experts believe one in 10 mechanics working without protection would contract asbestos-related cancer, the study said.

The Post-Intelligencer collected samples …