Asbestos
Breathing in air containing asbestos fibres can lead to asbestos-related diseases, mainly cancers of the lungs and chest lining. Cases of asbestos-related cancer have been reported in garage workers, although the risk is relatively low.
In motor vehicles
In the past, asbestos was used in motor vehicles as the friction material in clutches, automatic transmission and brake linings, and in gaskets. The supply, possession for supply and fitting of asbestos products to motor vehicle, trailers etc is now banned. Care should be taken when removing an existing component that you suspect may contain asbestos (which must be replaced by one which is asbestos-free). Use properly designed drum cleaning equipment which prevents dust escaping and clean wet rags to clean out drums or housing.
Further information
In buildings
It is now illegal to use asbestos in the construction or refurbishment of premises. There is still much of this material in place. People who own, manage or have responsibilities for premises which may contain asbestos will either have a legal duty to manage the risk from the material, or a duty to co-operate with whoever manages that risk.
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