Month: March 2013

Assessing The Risk of Mesothelioma for Car Mechanics and Brake Technicians

• Nancy Meredith
• Asbestos Exposure, Mesothelioma, Research

A recent study in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health suggests that automobile mechanics and car service technicians may be at risk of developing mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos-containing brake dust. Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive type of cancer that develops in the lining of the chest cavity and is caused by the presence of asbestos fibers.

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University conclude that there is a “net of evidence” favoring a causal relationship between exposure to brake dust containing chrysotile asbestos and mesothelioma. They say that the brake manufacturers’ position that there is an insufficient chain of evidence to link brake dust to mesothelioma is inaccurate. They suggest that further research is needed.

While many brakes and clutches in newer model cars do not contain asbestos, some brakes shoes and pads and clutch linings in use even today in the United States contain asbestos, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. If you work at a brake shop or a auto repair garage, you cannot determine whether brake or clutch components contain asbestos just by looking at them. But if the brakes or clutches contain asbestos, then the dust may contain asbestos.

Brake and clutch dust is often visible when a brake disk, drum or clutch cover is removed from a car or truck. The dust may contain asbestos. If you are an auto mechanic, you should not blow dust from brakes or clutches, according to EPA’s current best practices for avoiding asbestos exposure.

Using compressed air, a brush or a dry rag to clean brake assemblages has the potential to expose you to asbestos fibers, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Compressed air blows dust into the air. Airborne dust allows the microscopic particles of asbestos to be inhaled.

Mechanics should assume that brakes have asbestos-type shoes and use brake dust control procedures, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. If a mechanic assumes a brake does not contain asbestos, they may be exposed to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis, a chronic scarring of the lungs.

The symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestos-related disease typically take 20 years to 50 years to appear. A mechanic who worked on auto brakes in the 1960s may only recently have begun experiencing symptoms or been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Sources:

• Study in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health
  http://www.tandfonline.com/action/cookieAbsent
• Portland State University
  https://www.pdx.edu

Mesothelioma Patients Have Built-In Support Group in Their Family

• Joseph Belluck
• Faces of Mesothelioma

There are many wonderful support groups out there for patients and families of those with mesothelioma.  You are encouraged to share your experiences and get insight and support from others who have been in a similar situation.  However, support groups aren’t for everyone, as some people prefer to keep to themselves or turn to their family.

Family is key in helping mesothelioma patients recover physically as well as mentally and emotionally. Family members should encourage their loved ones and assure them that you’re there to help in any way.  A listening ear can be invaluable.  Try not to push the person to talk about their diagnosis if they don’t feel up to it.  They are going through a huge emotional strain and, although it’s healthy to talk about your problems, you have to let them do it on their own time.

Do your best not to push your family member too much to do things they don’t feel up to doing, or may not be physically ready to perform.  As essential as it is for them to move around and exercise, you don’t want them to overexert themselves.  It might take them a long time to rebound from a long day at the mall or an extended trip.

I believe that everything has a balance, and this situation is no exception.  Supporting a family member with mesothelioma is an honor, but it can be tough at times as well.  Hearing about their pain and suffering is a trying experience, but remember, you are there for them, not the other way around in this case.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you are having a hard time coping with the diagnosis of a loved one, there are plenty of external resources and support groups for you, too.  The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation has many different options for caregivers as well as survivors.  Take advantage of these services that are so precious.

There are other online support groups such as Cancer Buddies Network. Cancer Buddies Network  is an online support network for anyone, anywhere affected by cancer. Share the ups and downs, laughter and tears with someone who knows how it feels because they’ve been there too. You can either chat 1-to-1 by private messaging onsite, or on our lively forum 24/7. Whether you have experienced cancer yourself, or you are family, friend or carer, you can search for your buddy simply and safely on their dedicated website.

Keep your chin up, and continue to pray!  Remember, a cure could come at any time!