Houstin 9/12/2009 12:40:36 AM
Scrutinizing the Risk of Asbestos Exposure in Auto Mechanics
Research continues to look at auto mechanics and asbestos exposure
Asbestos has been widely used in vehicle brake pads for several decades. While drivers need not worry about excessive asbestos exposure during everyday driving, auto mechanics and other vehicle workers who routinely work around brake pads could be placed at an increased risk for contracting mesothelioma.
Case reports conducted by the Australian Mesothelioma Registry (AMR) have found correlations between vehicle mechanics and an increased risk for mesothelioma. However, 19 other epidemiologic studies conducted in North America and Britain have found no statistically significant association.
In an effort to determine if the risk for mesothelioma in Australians is different then other parts of the world, a study was conducted to review the inconsistencies of results in the AMR study.
The study first attempted to determine if asbestos exposure from brakes was different in Australia due to different cleaning practices used by auto mechanics. Ultimately, no difference was found.
Through additional research, the study concludes that discrepancies in correlation are a result of poor statistical analysis and data collection on the part of the AMR. Researchers note that data used by the AMR was collected via case surveys and interviews as opposed to more scientific epidemiologic approaches. Such case-only data, they conclude, is subject to bias and errors.
For example, the case review suggests that only 48 of the 78 original cases deemed by the AMR to be mechanic-related could be conclusively linked to potential occupational exposure. While the other 30 cases indicate individuals who frequently worked near or around automobiles, they did not personally work on brake pads or were not "professional" mechanics. As such, the study concludes that these cases would not be classified as "motor mechanic" through traditional Census procedures.
While the case review raises questions about data collection procedures and ultimately debunks the credibility of the AMR study, it should be noted that the review was funded by DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors – three corporations who have a lot to lose if a correlation between their factory-installed brake pads and occupational mesothelioma can be found.
For more on asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, visit www.mesotheliomaweb.org
