Reader Spotlight: Brian Turner

Mr. Turner took with interest, my blog, but he added a new twist. While as an enthusiast, I often overlook the "hazards" of classic car ownership, I did find this article very informative, and it gave me insight on another aspect of the classic car hobby; the chemicals that go into restoring a classic, and chemicals used on classics, and their effect on the human body. As someone with a heart condition, I know obviously not to stand in a paint booth without a mask, and I am 100% confident that I know the dangers of standing behind, or touching, a hot exhaust pipe. As Brian Turner explained, there are more dangers than those the eye can see. Take a look.

Dangerous Substances in Classic Cars
There are three primary toxins that are likely to be present in classic cars that are not used in modern day automobile production and manufacturers are doing a much better job using other materials. The three dangerous toxins are lead, asbestos, and bromine.

"It is highly likely that the original paint used on classic cars contained lead. The risk of exposure, and consequently potential lead poisoning, occurs when the original paint is sanded off in preparation for repainting the car or truck. Care should be taken to avoid breathing the dust. Respirators are typically the protective equipment of choice and proper cleaning, storage, and disposals are required to avoid contamination. Care must also be taken so that lead dust that settles onto clothing is not passed on to another family member, especially a child. Clothing should be changed immediately upon completion of work and kept separate from other laundry.

Asbestos, which was once a component in brake pads and clutch plates, is known to cause mesothelioma, a form of cancer. It was used because of its ability to insulate against heat. Asbestos fibers, if inhaled, tend to bio accumulate in the body and do their damage years later. A form of the material known as friable asbestos is the most dangerous. Friable means it is capable of being crushed by simple hand pressure, consequently releasing fibers into the air. However, in the case of brake and clutch pads, the creation of dust resulting from normal wear can lead to the inhalation of asbestos.

Bromine was once a constituent in automobile interior components such as seat covers and dashboards. It was a common ingredient in plastic and vinyl materials during the manufacture of cars now considered to be classic. Vapors from bromine are toxhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gific by inhalation and can damage the liver, kidneys, and lungs.

In giving thought to toxins that are present in classic cars, consideration must also be given to materials that are still in use, but can be toxic nevertheless. Ethylene glycol is used in anti-freeze and sulfuric acid is found in batteries. While gasoline no longer contains lead, there are other toxins, such as benzene, that are still present. Used motor oil is not necessarily the same as new oil due to the containments it accumulates through normal use. Taking a few simple steps to protect against the toxic properties of classic automobile components means the car can be enjoyed without having a negative impact on one’s health. "

This article is copied with permission from Brian Turner.You can see more of his stuff on here :)


http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/brian/