Asbestos in Brake Pads: Safety Concerns and Modern Alternatives

Modern brake pads in the United States no longer use asbestos, as the mineral was banned in March 2024, but some old pads in vintage automobiles or aftermarket pads imported from other countries may still contain it.

These health risks have made both drivers and mechanics pay closer attention to what is in their car parts. Knowing how to identify and handle potentially dangerous brake pads is important for anyone working with cars.

Why Was Asbestos Used in Brake Pads?

Asbestos became popular in brake pads mainly because of its unique properties. It is strong, resists heat, and is very affordable. This made asbestos in items like brake pads quite common.

In the mid-20th century, manufacturers needed a material for pads that could handle the intense friction and high temperatures from automobiles braking. Asbestos stood out for its ability to keep brake pads from wearing out too quickly.

Here are some main reasons why companies chose asbestos:

The table below shows how asbestos compared to other materials used at the time:

Manufacturers used asbestos in many types of vehicles. This includes passenger cars, buses and trucks. It was also put in airplanes and trains because it can be so effective against friction and heat demands.

Even though asbestos was favored for decades, it is now known for being a health risk. Many manufacturers stopped using it by the 1990s.

Where Were Asbestos Brake Pads Commonly Used?

Asbestos brake pads were not limited to being manufactured for only one type of vehicle. They could be found in everyday transport as well as in vehicles working in more demanding environments.

Passenger Vehicles and Trucks

Passenger cars and trucks were some of the main users of asbestos brake pads throughout much of the 20th century. Car makers started using asbestos in the 1920s because it resisted high temperatures and provided good friction, making the brakes safer and longer-lasting. Asbestos mixed with other materials, like copper and steel, can create a strong but low-cost brake material.

Many popular car brands installed these pads in family cars, pickup trucks and vans. This practice continued through the 1980s and into the 1990s, especially on old or imported vehicles. Mechanics and drivers were often exposed to asbestos dust when working on or replacing these parts – which could occur today with work on vintage automobiles.

Industrial, Military, and Commercial Fleets

Heavy-duty use demands brakes that could handle tough situations without wearing out fast. This is why asbestos brake pads became standard in buses, construction equipment, trains and tractors during the 20th century.

Military vehicles, such as tanks and transport trucks, were given asbestos for both brakes and clutches to survive the high stress of duty. Shipping and freight fleets, especially those carrying heavy cargo, also had asbestos brake linings because of their dependability.

Certain industrial vehicles, like forklifts and mining trucks, operate daily in dusty, hot, or rough settings. Asbestos brake pads allowed these machines to stop reliably under pressure for many years. This wide use put many workers, such as drivers and mechanics, at a high risk of asbestos exposure during the 20th century – and even today when using outdated vehicles.

How Exposure to Asbestos Brake Dust Occurs

Asbestos is a natural mineral made of many tiny fibers entwined together like a cobweb or cloth blanket. When they are disturbed from use or repair work, the fibers can fracture and split apart from one another. This releases the fibers into the air, where they float weightlessly for hours. Workers, mechanics and even vehicle owners can inhale or swallow these fibers, which can lead to serious health issues later in life.

When brake pads containing asbestos wear down, they release tiny dust particles into the air. This dust often settles on car parts, tools and clothing.

The most likely groups exposed to asbestos from auto brakes are: mechanics; vehicle owners performing do-it-yourself repairs; and family members.

Mechanics and Auto Workers at High Risk

Auto mechanics and garage workers face the highest risk of exposure. This was true decades ago – when asbestos use was at a peak – and also today with work on old vehicles.

When mechanics and garage workers replace or clean brake pads and clutches, they disturb dust hidden inside the brakes. Using tools like compressed air or hammers during these jobs can release millions of asbestos fibers into the air and around their face.

These airborne fibers can be easily breathed in or swallowed by workers. Over time, repeated exposure can increase the risk of serious diseases, including cancer.

Studies show that the amount of dust stirred up depends on the cleaning methods used. For example, blowing out brake dust with air hoses sends much more dust into the air than using wet cleaning methods. More information can be found at this EPA brake dust safety guide.

DIY Repairs and Older Vehicles

People working on their own cars – or those of a friend or family member – are also at risk, especially if the vehicle is from the 20th century. Cars and trucks built before the 1980s often have brake pads and clutches with asbestos because the material was standard in vehicle parts at that time.

Many people who repair their own brakes may not use protective gear or follow safety steps. This puts them at risk of breathing in harmful fibers. Using household tools, such as shop vacuums or dry brushes, can make the dust airborne.

To stay safe, it is important to check if the parts may contain asbestos before beginning any brake work. The EPA recommends professional help for these tasks.

Secondary Exposure to Family Members

Family members of auto workers can be exposed even if they never enter a garage. Asbestos fibers can cling to clothing, shoes, hair, skin and tools. Workers can carry the fibers into their home, where dust can spread to floors, furniture and laundry.

Children, spouses, parents and siblings may breathe in or swallow these fibers. Even small amounts brought into the home can build up over many years. Secondary exposure has caused illness in family members of workers, making prevention and good hygiene at work critical when dealing with possible asbestos brake dust.

Health Risks from Asbestos Brake Pads

Asbestos in brake pads can cause serious health problems when dust is released and either inhaled or swallowed. These health risks can affect anyone working with or around contaminated brakes, including auto mechanics and people fixing their own vehicles.

The main health risks from asbestos exposure are: mesothelioma; lung cancer; asbestosis; and certain lung diseases.

Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, and Asbestosis

Asbestos fibers are extremely small. When they enter the body through the nose or mouth, they can travel to organs or tissue linings and get trapped. Since the fibers are sharp, they can irritate cells of these organs or linings and cause biological changes that lead to diseases like mesothelioma cancer.

• Mesothelioma – This is a rare but deadly cancer that forms in the lining around the lungs and other organs. Its only cause is asbestos exposure.
• Lung cancer – Prolonged breathing of asbestos fibers increases the risk of lung cancer, especially for smokers.
• Asbestosis – This is a chronic lung condition where scar tissue builds up in the lungs, making it harder to breathe.

People who have worked with brake pads in old cars or in shops that still use outdated asbestos brake pads face higher risks than most other people. Brake pads made years ago could be composed of 35%-60% asbestos, and inhaling the dust from these can be dangerous. Even small, invisible fibers can cause harm.

Latency Periods Delay Diagnosis

One of the biggest challenges with asbestos-related disease is the long latency period. Symptoms of illnesses like mesothelioma or asbestosis usually do not appear right away.

Asbestos diseases take 10-50 years to develop after the person’s exposure. This means people may not realize they are sick until decades have passed since they stopped doing automobile repair work with asbestos brake pads. By the time patients notice symptoms such as coughing, chest pain or shortness of breath, the disease may be advanced.

This delayed effect highlights why even brief or past contact with asbestos brake pads, such as during brake changes, should not be ignored. More information is available from the EPA about brake pad asbestos exposure.

Current Use of Asbestos in Brake Pads

Asbestos was once common in automotive brake pads, but many countries have taken steps to change this. There are now strict limits on its use and safer technology available for drivers and mechanics.

In the United States, the use of asbestos in brake pads is no longer allowed with the banning of chrysotile asbestos, which is the most common type of asbestos. Chrysotile asbestos is the type used most often for asbestos brake pads. The ban allows a transition period for finding an alternative to aftermarket asbestos brake pads.

Banned or Restricted in Many Countries

Because of health concerns, many countries have banned or heavily restricted asbestos use in vehicle brake pads. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did not fully ban asbestos in new brake pads until March 2024.

Some older brake parts and imported components created before this date could still contain asbestos. Mechanics have been warned that it is not possible to tell if an older brake pad has asbestos just by looking at it. Packaging information or a Material Safety Data Sheet can provide better details about the contents of a brake pad.

Safer Alternatives Exist Today

Car manufacturers now use different materials to keep brakes safe while removing the dangers of asbestos. Most modern brake pads are made from ceramic, organic or semi-metallic materials. These options give reliable performance and are much safer for both workers and the environment.

Ceramic brake pads are popular for everyday vehicles. They are clean, quiet and capable of lasting longer. Organic brake pads, made from fibers like glass, rubber and resins, are less expensive but still provide good stopping power. Semi-metallic brake pads use metals and fillers to manage heat and wear. Each of these alternatives meets strict safety standards put in place after the dangers of asbestos became clear.

By moving to these advanced materials, the industry has greatly reduced health risks linked to asbestos. Customers can now find brake pads with official labels confirming they are asbestos-free. This change helps make driving and vehicle repair much safer.

Identifying and Handling Asbestos Brake Pads

It is nearly impossible to confirm the presence of asbestos just by looking at a brake pad. Anyone working with brakes should use the same safety steps every time to avoid dangerous exposure.

No Way to Tell Visually

There is no reliable way to identify asbestos-containing brake pads just by appearance. Asbestos fibers are tiny and hidden within the pad material. Brake pads, both old and new, usually look similar because manufacturers do not mark or label asbestos content on the pad surface.

Old cars made before regulations changed are more likely to still have asbestos brake pads. Some imported aftermarket pads, especially from countries without strict controls, may also contain asbestos. For safety, if the brake pad’s age or origin is unknown, it should be treated as if it might contain asbestos.

Some people try to judge by color or texture, but this is not accurate. Only laboratory testing can confirm if asbestos is present in a brake pad.

Always Use Proper Safety Precautions

When handling or changing brake pads, a few key steps can help protect against asbestos dust. Anyone working on brakes should:

• Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator
• Use disposable gloves and coveralls
• Avoid using compressed air or dry brushing

Wet cleaning methods are best. Using a spray bottle to mist parts minimizes dust. A high-efficiency (HEPA) vacuum can also remove dust without spreading fibers.

Waste, including used pads, rags and masks, should be sealed in a plastic bag and thrown away as hazardous waste. See best practices for asbestos safety from the EPA.

Never work on brakes in a closed area or around food and drink. Keeping the workspace clean and ventilated lowers the chances of exposure or contamination.

Legal Help for Victims of Asbestos Brake Pad Exposure

People who worked with or around asbestos brake pads may qualify for financial compensation for health problems like mesothelioma. Several legal paths, including lawsuits and asbestos trust funds, can help victims recover costs for treatment and lost wages.

Let’s first look at which people are eligible for compensation.

Mechanics, Factory Workers, Drivers and Family Members May Be Eligible

Auto mechanics, brake repair workers, factory workers and even drivers have all faced possible exposure to asbestos in brake pads, especially before the 1990s. They can all file claims for compensation if they have proof of their disease along with evidence that their workspace or automobile contained asbestos.

Mechanics and small shop workers breathed in or swallowed asbestos dust when removing or replacing older brakes. Factory staff assembling brake pads or parts also faced risks. Family members sometimes faced secondhand exposure when dust came home on work clothes.

Anyone involved in brake repair or manufacturing before strict regulations were in place should know that exposure might have happened even if no symptoms have appeared yet. Asbestos-related diseases, like lung cancer or mesothelioma, can take decades to develop.

Common roles at risk:

Lawsuits and Asbestos Trust Funds Available

Victims diagnosed with illnesses linked to asbestos brake pads can file legal claims for compensation. Two main options include mesothelioma lawsuits against past employers or manufacturers and claims from special asbestos trust funds set up by bankrupt companies.

A lawsuit may cover medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Lawsuits often end in settlements, as the companies taken to court do not wish to pay multi-million-dollar verdicts. Settlements can resolve the lawsuit quickly and give victims their deserved compensation.

People usually file lawsuits against the companies that manufactured the asbestos brake pads. This is because these companies intentionally chose to use asbestos – often while knowing of the health risks. However, the repair shops might be liable if they knowingly exposed workers or customers to asbestos.

Asbestos trust funds are bank accounts created by bankrupt companies. When asbestos exposure lawsuits started piling up, many companies went bankrupt or used a reorganization bankruptcy tactic to divert assets to shell companies.

Since bankrupt companies cannot be taken to court in a lawsuit, this reorganization strategy was a means for companies to sidestep facing lawsuit consequences without stopping business operations. Courts demanded that companies create asbestos trust funds to ensure they would not avoid all financial and legal responsibility in asbestos claims.

Filing a claim through a trust fund can lead to a faster conclusion than with a lawsuit, but the payouts often are lower. There’s little choice for victims, as the status of the company (active or bankrupt) determines which type of claim to file.

Victims should collect work records, medical proof of illness, and any evidence of exposure at work. Lawyers experienced in asbestos lawsuits can guide victims and their families.

Legal actions must be filed within certain time limits: usually 2-4 years, depending on the state where the claim is to be filed. Therefore, it’s crucial to begin the legal process as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself From the Hazards of Brake Dust

Asbestos was widely used in brake pads made during the 20th century for the mineral’s heat resistance. Some old brake pads in vintage automobiles and imported brake parts from countries without asbestos regulations may still contain asbestos today. When brake pads wear down or are replaced, they can release dust that is dangerous if inhaled or swallowed by workers or drivers.

Exposure risks:

• Inhaling asbestos dust can harm lung health.
• Symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing.
• Even limited exposure can carry risks for some people.
• Not all brake pads contain asbestos, but it is hard to tell by looking.

Simple ways to reduce risk:

• Wet down brake parts before working to lower dust levels.
• Use a damp cloth to wipe up any dust rather than sweeping.
• Avoid using compressed air or dry brushing to clean brake components.
• Wear a mask and gloves when handling old brake pads.

If someone is concerned about possible asbestos, professional testing is an option. Proper handling and awareness can help prevent asbestos exposure. Mechanics and DIYers both need to take these hazards seriously.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos in Brake Pads

Brake pad materials, regulations and safety concerns have changed over time, especially with the move away from using asbestos. Knowing what is in brake pads and how to identify them is important for health and legal reasons.

Sources & Author

About the Writer, David Statman

David Statman is a Content Writer for Mesothelioma Guide. He received both his bachelor's and master's in journalism from West Virginia University, and has been in medical publishing since January 2022. He previously worked in sports journalism, primarily reporting on West Virginia sports for a number of publications.

He lives in Delaware with his wife, dog and two cats, and avidly competes as a professional wrestler in the Philadelphia area.