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Classic Cars and the Risk of Toxic Exposure
Classic cars are admired the world over. This is mainly because they represent an age in the motor industry when everything was exciting and full of potential. Owners of classic cars treasure them and most take meticulous care of them. What they do not know is that classic cars in general are filled with a number of hazardous toxins that can lead to many health complications. This article serves to show the toxic substances found in classic cars as well as some examples.
Lead
Early in the automobile industry, lead was used in large quantities in paint. Back then car makers did not know that excessive exposure to this metal caused brain damage, learning disabilities, and problems with the kidneys, blood, nerves, and reproductive system. Now, lead paint becomes an issue when collectors are redoing their classic cars. Many seem unaware that the body of their car is filled with lead paint and remove the paint with little to no precautions. When redoing the body of a classic car one should always take careful precautions to ensure they are not exposed to the toxic chemicals once used in paint.
Bromine
Bromine is a raw material that was used in the making of various parts in the car’s interior like the seats, plastic parts in the dashboard, and seat belts. Over exposure to bromine can lead to a host of diseases like learning and memory impairment, decreased fertility behavioral changes, and thyroid complications like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Bromine is especially prevalent in second and third generation complications.
Asbestos
Asbestos was the main component of older brake pads and is still a common material used in the manufacturing of foreign brake pads. Many assume that their car doesn’t contain asbestos because of modern manufacturing regulations in the United States but this is a naïve assumption. When working on classic cars, asbestos is a major issue. Asbestos exposure has proven to cause health problems such as asbestosis and an aggressive form of lung cancer, mesothelioma. Asbestos is a huge problem with older cars and do it yourself mechanics should heed caution.
Precautions should also be taken when working under the hood. It is especially important to take extra care when working on classic cars because the risk of hazardous chemicals is much higher.
Brian Turner
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR
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