AutoGearhead: This very informative article is about the threatening dangers in automobiles was written by Brian Turner for autogearhead.com. Asbestos is one of the most threatening dangers in automobiles. The sturdy but dangerous substance was a common additive in automotive parts manufacturing. For most of the last century, manufacturers used asbestos in brake parts, heat seals, hood liners, clutch components, valves, gaskets, and more.
Toxic Dangers in Automotive Parts
Asbestos is a natural fibrous mineral that was once heralded for its strength, durability, and fireproof qualities. The public learned of its toxic dangers in 1977, when the United States government started regulating its use. Until then, asbestos was popular in many industries -- the automotive industry, of course, but also appliance manufacturing, building construction, and more.
Numerous clinical studies have linked asbestos exposure to lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer. The disease has a long latency period, and a mesothelioma prognosis is grim. Automobile mechanics, body shop workers, and vintage car enthusiasts are most at risk for asbestos contact. Even those who do not develop mesothelioma may still experience respiratory problems like asthma and allergies.
Toxic Dangers Outside the Car
Unfortunately, asbestos is not the only threatening danger in automobiles. Car emissions contain numerous health hazards. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, benzene, and other exhaust chemicals pose serious threats to public health and the environment.
Medical research has found a link between benzene and the development of leukemia. Other car emissions have been known to cause damage to the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. Exhaust toxins may also harm the immune system and reproductive health. And certain birth defects are associated with exposure to emission chemicals.
Toxic Dangers Inside the Car
Modern vehicles are just as dangerous inside the cab -- in early models and late models, alike. The intoxicating smell of a brand new car stems from a combination of chemicals that include bromine, chlorine, and lead. Flame-retardants, plasticizers, and conditioners on the seats, floors, arm rests, and dashboards release harmful chemicals that increase in toxicity upon exposure to sunlight.
Chronic exposure to the threatening dangers inside a car can lead to liver and kidney disease and cancer. Pregnant women can give birth to premature infants with congenital defects. These children may later experience learning disabilities.
Preventing Automobile Dangers
Awareness of automotive safety issues, road hazards, the dangers of texting and driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. These are some of the threatening dangers of driving. Automotive toxins are the threatening dangers in automobiles themselves. Awareness, education, and prevention are the best ways for drivers to protect themselves against all dangers, both seen and unseen. (Brian Turner)
