Everyone, including the EPA, knows that dust from asbestos based products is going to contain asbestos fibers. The procedures that the EPA has laid out for brake jobs in this asbestos-averse era are remarkable. If you work or have worked in a brake shop you should check them out at the link below.
Briefly, the EPA says that asbestos control measures for brake repair are mandatory and that one of two methods should be used. The first is similar to those lab photos you’ve seen of technicians handling sensitive material that is enclosed in a container and has gloves mounted so hands on the exterior can reach in and manipulate what’s inside. Part of the EPA description:
[A] Negative Pressure Enclosure/HEPA Vacuum System Method
(1) The brake and clutch inspection, disassembly, repair, and assembly operations shall be enclosed to cover and contain the clutch or brake assembly and to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the worker’s breathing zone.
(2) The enclosure shall be sealed tightly and thoroughly inspected for leaks before work begins on brake and clutch inspection, disassembly, repair, and assembly.
(3) The enclosure shall be such that the worker can clearly see the operation and shall provide impermeable sleeves through which the worker can handle the brake and clutch inspection, disassembly, repair and assembly. The integrity of the sleeves and ports shall be examined before work begins.
The other method utilizes a liquid bath on the brake assembly so that no dust is released.
Once again, part of the EPA’s standard:
[B] Low Pressure/Wet Cleaning Method
(1) A catch basin shall be placed under the brake assembly, positioned to avoid splashes and spills.
(2) The reservoir shall contain water containing an organic solvent or wetting agent. The flow of liquid shall be controlled such that the brake assembly is gently flooded to prevent the asbestos-containing brake dust from becoming airborne.
(3) The aqueous solution shall be allowed to flow between the brake drum and brake support before the drum is removed.
(4) After removing the brake drum, the wheel hub and back of the brake assembly shall be thoroughly wetted to suppress dust.
(5) The brake support plate, brake shoes and brake components used to attach the brake shoes shall be thoroughly washed before removing the old shoes.
My son is 27 years and has an interest in auto repair. He is convinced replacing brake pads and brake shoes doesn’t have a risk of asbestos exposure or inhalation. He explained, asbestos brake shoes and brake pads aren’t used anymore.
I have C.O.P.D. (cardio-pulmonary disease) most likely from years as a carpenter in the construction industry and my exposure to building materials, construction demolition, earthquake retrofitting and remodeling of older commercial buildings.
As any concerned father, I don’t want my son to risk his health unnecessarily; you can’t replace good health. I don’t want him to suffer and die prematurely from asbestosis, mesothelioma, C.O.P.D. I suggested he should take precautions to avoid/prevent future health risks. (Nobody knows how many vehicles still have asbestos brakes). My son believes my concerns for safety precautions are unnecessary today and would only get in the way while working. Are my concerns necessary or not? Thank you. Cautious dad.