Do auto mechanics often have health problems later in life?
May 23, 2010 in
Mesothelioma FAQs
I always notice on the oil bottles when I change my oil about how contact of oil with the skin has been tied to some kinds of cancer, or something like that. Isn’t all the grease, brake dust (asbestos), gasoline, antifreeze, freon, and oil, hazardous? Well, I know it is. I guess it’s okay if you work on your own car from time to time and you’re careful, but what about the mechanics that work on cars ALL DAY, EVERYDAY, THEIR ENTIRE LIVES – BLACK FINGERS THEIR WHOLE LIFE. This is constant exposure. Even though they’re careful and don’t DRINK the antifreeze, they are exposed to it at some small level – for a prolonged period of time. Your skin can absorb this stuff.
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9 comments
Timothy E on May 23, 2010 at 7:16 am
Auto mechanics are exposed to lots of nasty things during their careers.
The least of which is oil. Oil can stain your skin over a long period of
time, but probably wouldn’t cause cancer. Exposure to antifreeze is
dangerous if you ingest/inhale large quantities quickly. This is because
of the ethylene glycol used to make the antifreeze. Ethylene glycol is
poisonous to humans. However, it isn’t an accumulated affect. In small
amounts, the liver and kidneys can clean the toxin from the body…it’s
large amounts at once that over load your system and cause renal
failure. That’s when you organs start shutting down and you die. Another
thing that is dangerous for auto mechanics is asbestos. It is found in
brake pads and some other parts of the engine. Asbestos is a fiber that
when inhaled can damage the lungs, and over a period of time can cause a
specific type of cancer called mesothelioma. Gasoline is dangerous when
inhaled..and it is a accumulated problem. Prolonged exposure to fumes
will kill brain cells and be a cause of strokes.
All in all, there really shouldn’t be a problem…more so than any other
occupation. My grandfather was a mechanic for 50 years almost and he’s
still kicking around if not in great health..atleast decent.
TRUST on May 23, 2010 at 7:16 am
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Darkest Light on May 23, 2010 at 7:16 am
Perhaps, but I do not know 100% yet.
Mark W on May 23, 2010 at 7:16 am
naw……. i feel great just get me another beer!
David S on May 23, 2010 at 7:16 am
Only from the after work activities. Alcoholism is a hazzard of the trade as an example.
negaduck on May 23, 2010 at 7:16 am
i know breathing in brake clean all day doesnt help
robert S on May 23, 2010 at 7:16 am
Most people who handle chemicals will eventually show evidence of an allergic reaction to it
Druid on May 23, 2010 at 7:16 am
>Sure…but then most everybody has health problems later in life.<
tym v on May 23, 2010 at 7:16 am
skin cancer on the hands and breathing problems