Classic Cars and Cancer: Your Restoration Project Might Be Killing You – MotorBiscuit
Restoring a classic car can be an extremely stressful and time-consuming endeavor . However , driving a car you built by hand may be one of the most rewarding experiences known to humankind. At least the kind of humankind that like cars. Unfortunately, though, some unforeseen dangers are involved with working on a classic car. Outside of the obvious things like properly supporting a vehicle and wearing personal protective equipment, there are a couple of other dangerous parts of working with a good old car.
Asbestos and other toxic chemicals in components of classic cars
The world has certainly come a long way in terms associated with the use of toxic materials in the production of vehicles. However, you can’t change the past. According to Tirebuyer , there is a multitude of things to look out for when working on an older vehicle.
Asbestos is one associated with the biggest things in order to consider. Asbestos was known as the “miracle mineral” or “miracle fiber” back in the old days. Unfortunately, we now know that miracle is the last word it should be associated with. Asbestos is known to cause lung cancer, plus it’s all over classic vehicles. Here are some places you may find asbestos on older vehicles:
- Clutch linings
- Brake pads
- Hood liners
- Transmission plates
- Cabin insulation
- Gaskets
Asbestos wasn’t regulated within the U. S. until the 1980s. So , many old cars still have it all the way up until the particular 1990s. There’s no safe level of asbestos, and even the tiniest bit in your lungs can lead to diseases like mesothelioma, a severe lung cancer with a minimal survival rate.
Another common thing to watch out for in cars from the 1950s through the early 1970s will be toxic plastics. Before regulation in the earlier ‘70s, many manufacturers used plastics that could contain toxins, mainly polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). PCBs have been linked to cancer, reproductive issues, neurological effects, and immune system problems. PCBs may be found in these components in vintage cars :
- Headliners
- upholstery
- Dashboards
- Seat parts
Many old vehicles also use lead paint
Lead was another substance that will continued to be used in all sorts of products, including color, despite knowing how dangerous it is . Benjamin Franklin even wrote a letter warning of lead poisoning in 1786. Nevertheless , it continued to appear in items, including car paint, with regard to nearly 200 more years.
In 1978, the Oughout. S. Government banned the use of lead in most products. However , some sources say that automotive plus industrial manufacturers were excluded from this ruling. Therefore , it’s best to play it safe no matter what year your project car is from if you’re planning on doing body or paintwork.
Nevertheless , it’s also good practice to wear a respirator any time you’re sanding or even dealing with paint in general. The effects associated with lead poisoning can be extremely harmful and fatal, and there is no known cure. Furthermore, such as asbestos, presently there is simply no “safe amount” of guide to let into your body. Any amount can be harmful in order to your health, so take proper precautions.
Task cars can be the fantastic time, and working on vehicles yourself is a fun and rewarding hobby. However , it is important that you take these potential risks into consideration alongside all other associated safety risks with working on cars. After all, it could cost you your life.
