Classic Cars: Toxic Exposure Present

Lead

Custom '49 Mercury’s aren't called "lead sleds" because they were heavy, they’re called that because the smooth look was created by melting and shaping lead over body panels. Like modern body putties, lead isn't ferrous and can be located on repaired panels using a magnet. Lead was also widely used in paints, making exposure a serious risk when prepping a vehicle for repainting.

Exposure to lead can occur by inhalation or direct skin exposure. The metal acts directly on nerve connections, leading to brain damage, chronic pain and gastrointestinal problems. Positive pressure filter systems and skin protection should be used when dealing with lead-based materials.

Bromine

When exposed to high heat, organobromine compounds break apart to release free bromine, stopping rapid oxidation. In layman's terms, this means organobromine is an excellent fire retardant because the chemical reaction prevents the breakdown of other substances for fuel. However, exposure to bromine compounds, particularly pure bromine released when the retardant chemicals are heated, causes severe mucous membrane irritation. Prolonged exposure can cause memory and learning problems, and the substance can be absorbed by the thyroid, leading to hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Unreacted organobromine can act as a hormone disrupter.

Organobromine is found in most plastic and vinyl interior parts including padded dashes, seats, and seat belts. To limit bromine exposure in the event of a fire, move away to an area of fresh air until normal breathing returns, shower and dispose of clothes worn during the event. Acute exposure will require hospital treatment. As with lead, care should be taken to avoid direct exposure to organobomine-containing materials.


Asbestos

Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the skin and lungs, causing warts and limiting breathing capacity. Long-term exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, a cancer that covers membranes surrounding internal organs. The survival rate for this cancer is very low, leading toward the removal asbestos from a range of products.

This mineral was widely used because of its heat-resistant properties, and the automobile was no exception: The material is ideal for linings on brakes and clutches as it remains fade-free under severe conditions. The EPA attempted to ban asbestos outright in 1986, but after a series of lawsuits the ban was limited to "new use" products. Since automotive use was active before the ban, its still legal for manufacturers to manufacture new asbestos parts. Today, manufacturers choice of asbestos use is mostly based on product liability: OEM suppliers phased out the material by 1993, but some aftermarket companies still manufacture asbestos liners.

New products must list asbestos on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS,) but it should be assumed that any old pads and clutch discs would contain the material. Ideally, repairs involving these parts should be done in a negative pressure vessel. If one isn't available, the EPA recommends wetting down the work area to prevent loose asbestos strands from becoming airborne.