Research on Automobiles and Mechanics

The National Library of Medicine's indexers, who file every article in PubMed under subject headings (MeSH), filed 61 studies in our library under “Automobiles” as a main topic. The indexing is NLM's, not ours. For what these studies mean for people exposed, read our page on auto mechanics and brakes. Each entry links to the study on PubMed and to its journal's page in our library, where you can read the abstract.

2020s

• A risk assessment of mechanics who changed chrysotile asbestos containing brakes and other vehicle components in the 1950s-early 2000s era: an update on the 2004 evaluation. D.W. Brew, M.E. Stevens, A.M. Langer, et al. Critical Reviews in Toxicology 2025;55(10):932-981. Review PubMed · Publisher
• Copper-enriched automotive brake wear particles perturb human alveolar cellular homeostasis. J.G.H. Parkin, L.S.N. Dean, J.A. Bell, et al. Particle and Fibre Toxicology 2025;22(1):4. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

2010s

• Employment characteristics and cause-specific mortality at automotive electronics manufacturing plants in Huntsville, Alabama. N. DeBono, D. Richardson, A. Keil, et al. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 2019;62(4):296-308. PubMed · Publisher
• Mortality among autoworkers manufacturing electronics in Huntsville, Alabama. N. DeBono, K. Kelly-Reif, D. Richardson, et al. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 2019;62(4):282-295. PubMed · Publisher
• The toxicology of chrysotile-containing brake debris: implications for mesothelioma. C.A. Poland, R. Duffin. Critical Reviews in Toxicology 2019;49(1):11-35. Review PubMed · Publisher
• [Occupational health administrative coordination a propos of a case: brake linings with asbestos in a company]. M. García Gómez, I. Alonso Urreta, C. Antón Tomey, et al. Revista Española de Salud Pública 2018;92. In Spanish. PubMed · Free full text
• Asbestos Fiber Concentrations in the Lungs of Brake Repair Workers: An Updated Analysis Using Several Regression Methods to Handle Nondetectable Measurements. Y. Liu, G.M. Marsh, V.L. Roggli. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2018;60(7):661-671. PubMed · Publisher
• "Ain't Necessarily So!": The Brake Industry's Impact on Asbestos Regulation in the 1970s. D. Rosner, G. Markowitz. American Journal of Public Health 2017;107(9):1395-1399. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text
• Response to Hessel. D. Egilman. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 2017;60(10):915-920. Letter PubMed · Publisher
• Asbestos exposure among transmission mechanics in automotive repair shops. N. Salazar, M.F. Cely-García, P.N. Breysse, et al. The Annals of Occupational Hygiene 2015;59(3):292-306. PubMed · Publisher
• Evaluation of the fate and pathological response in the lung and pleura of brake dust alone and in combination with added chrysotile compared to crocidolite asbestos following short-term inhalation exposure. D.M. Bernstein, R.A. Rogers, R. Sepulveda, et al. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 2015;283(1):20-34. PubMed · Publisher
• Abdominal pain and bloating in an auto mechanic. L. Neshatian, M. Halland, A.S. Arora. Gastroenterology 2014;146(7):1610-1. Case report PubMed · Publisher
• History and evolution of warning labels for automotive friction products. L.M. Kopelovich, K.A. Thuett, P.S. Chapman, et al. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 2014;68(3):402-11. Historical article PubMed · Publisher
• The analysis of asbestos count data with "nondetects": the example of asbestos fiber concentrations in the lungs of brake workers. M.M. Finkelstein. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 2013;56(12):1482-9. PubMed · Publisher
• Asbestos-related diseases in automobile mechanics. J. Ameille, N. Rosenberg, M. Matrat, et al. The Annals of Occupational Hygiene 2012;56(1):55-60. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text
• Personal exposures to asbestos fibers during brake maintenance of passenger vehicles. M.F. Cely-García, M. Sánchez, P.N. Breysse, et al. The Annals of Occupational Hygiene 2012;56(9):985-99. PubMed · Publisher
• Evaluation of asbestos exposure during brake repair and replacement. H. Kakooei, M. Hormozy, H. Marioryad. Industrial Health 2011;49(3):374-80. PubMed · Publisher
• Evaluation of exposure to the airborne asbestos in an automobile brake and clutch manufacturing industry in Iran. H. Kakooei, H. Marioryad. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 2010;56(2):143-7. PubMed · Publisher

2000s

• An evaluation of short-term exposures of brake mechanics to asbestos during automotive and truck brake cleaning and machining activities. R.O. Richter, B.L. Finley, D.J. Paustenbach, et al. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology 2009;19(5):458-74. PubMed · Publisher
• A study of airborne chrysotile concentrations associated with handling, unpacking, and repacking boxes of automobile clutch discs. G.C. Jiang, A.K. Madl, K.J. Ingmundson, et al. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 2008;51(1):87-97. PubMed · Publisher
• Correction to R. Lemen's review article, 'Asbestos in Brakes: Exposure and Risk of Disease'. J. Turim. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 2008;51(6):475; author reply 476. Comment · Letter PubMed · Publisher
• Exposure to chrysotile asbestos associated with unpacking and repacking boxes of automobile brake pads and shoes. A.K. Madl, L.L. Scott, D.M. Murbach, et al. The Annals of Occupational Hygiene 2008;52(6):463-79. PubMed · Publisher
• Cumulative asbestos exposure for US automobile mechanics involved in brake repair (circa 1950s-2000). B.L. Finley, R.O. Richter, F.S. Mowat, et al. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology 2007;17(7):644-55. Historical article PubMed · Publisher
• Mesothelioma in vehicle mechanics: is the risk different for Australians?. M.A. Kelsh, V.A. Craven, M.J. Teta, et al. Occupational Medicine 2007;57(8):581-9. Review PubMed · Publisher
• Assessment of airborne asbestos exposure during the servicing and handling of automobile asbestos-containing gaskets. C.L. Blake, G.S. Dotson, R.D. Harbison. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 2006;45(2):214-22. PubMed · Publisher
• Chrysotile asbestos exposure associated with removal of automobile exhaust systems (ca. 1945-1975) by mechanics: results of a simulation study. D.J. Paustenbach, A.K. Madl, E. Donovan, et al. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology 2006;16(2):156-71. PubMed · Publisher
• Re: Evaluation of the size and type of free particulates collected from unused asbestos-containing brake components as related to potential for respirability. D.J. Paustenbach, B.L. Finley, P.J. Sheehan, et al. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 2006;49(1):60-1; author reply 62-4. Letter PubMed · Publisher
• Abuse of epidemiology: automobile manufacturers manufacture a defense to asbestos liability. D.S. Egilman, M.A. Billings. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health 2005;11(4):360-71. PubMed · Publisher
• Asbestos exposure from gaskets during disassembly of a medium duty diesel engine. L.R. Liukonen, F.W. Weir. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 2005;41(2):113-21. PubMed · Publisher
• Asbestos in brakes: exposure and risk of disease. R.A. Lemen. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 2004;45(3):229-37. Review PubMed · Publisher
• Environmental and occupational health hazards associated with the presence of asbestos in brake linings and pads (1900 to present): a "state-of-the-art" review. D.J. Paustenbach, B.L. Finley, E.T. Lu, et al. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part B, Critical Reviews 2004;7(1):25-80. Review PubMed · Publisher
• Evaluation of the size and type of free particulates collected from unused asbestos-containing brake components as related to potential for respirability. M.A. Atkinson, M. O'sullivan, S. Zuber, et al. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 2004;46(6):545-53. PubMed · Publisher
• Lung cancer and mesothelioma among male automobile mechanics: a review. F. Laden, M.J. Stampfer, A.M. Walker. Reviews on Environmental Health 2004;19(1):39-61. Review PubMed · Publisher
• RE: Asbestos in brakes: exposure and risk of disease. M.J. Teta. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 2004;46(3):312-4; author reply 315-8. Comment · Letter PubMed · Publisher
• Warning auto mechanics about asbestos hazards. J. LaDou. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health 2004;10(1):108-9. Editorial PubMed · Publisher
• Airborne asbestos concentration from brake changing does not exceed permissible exposure limit. C.L. Blake, D.R. Van Orden, M. Banasik, et al. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 2003;38(1):58-70. PubMed · Publisher
• Exposure to brake dust and malignant mesothelioma: a study of 10 cases with mineral fiber analyses. K.J. Butnor, T.A. Sporn, V.L. Roggli. The Annals of Occupational Hygiene 2003;47(4):325-30. PubMed · Publisher
• Reduction of the biological potential of chrysotile asbestos arising from conditions of service on brake pads. A.M. Langer. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 2003;38(1):71-7. Review PubMed · Publisher

1990s

• Globally asbestos-free automobiles. J. Rangé. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health 1999;5(3):242-3. Comment · Letter PubMed · Publisher
• Globally asbestos-free automobiles. B. Castleman. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health 1998;4(4):277-8. Editorial · Review PubMed · Publisher
• Mesothelioma among car mechanics?. H.J. Woitowitz, K. Rödelsperger. The Annals of Occupational Hygiene 1994;38(4):635-8. PubMed · Publisher
• Mortality studies of machining fluid exposure in the automobile industry. III: A case-control study of larynx cancer. E.A. Eisen, P.E. Tolbert, M.F. Hallock, et al. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 1994;26(2):185-202. PubMed · Publisher
• Asbestos exposure, physical activity and colon cancer: a case-control study. P. Vineis, G. Ciccone, A. Magnino. Tumori 1993;79(5):301-3. PubMed · Publisher
• Considerations of specificity in assessing the relationship between asbestos and cancer. O. Wong. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 1993;23(3):521-3. Comment · Review PubMed · Publisher
• Chrysotile asbestos, mesothelioma, and garage mechanics. O. Wong. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 1992;21(3):449-55. Comment · Letter PubMed · Publisher
• Lung function and exposure to asbestos among vehicle mechanics. M. Dahlqvist, R. Alexandersson, G. Hedenstierna. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 1992;22(1):59-68. PubMed · Publisher
• Brake mechanics, asbestos, and disease risk. M. Huncharek. The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology 1990;11(3):236-40. Review PubMed · Publisher

1980s

• Mortality of auto mechanics. A ten-year follow-up. E.S. Hansen. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health 1989;15(1):43-6. PubMed · Publisher
• Mortality rates among employees potentially exposed to chrysotile asbestos at two automotive parts factories. M.M. Finkelstein. CMAJ 1989;141(2):125-30. PubMed · Free full text
• Pleural mesothelioma in a brake mechanic. M. Huncharek, J. Muscat, J.V. Capotorto. British Journal of Industrial Medicine 1989;46(1):69-71. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text
• Asbestos associated tumours in car mechanics. B. Järvholm, J. Brisman. British Journal of Industrial Medicine 1988;45(9):645-6. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text
• Asbestos-associated lung effects in car mechanics. K. Marcus, B.G. Järvholm, S. Larsson. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health 1987;13(3):252-4. PubMed · Publisher
• Exposure to asbestos during brake maintenance of automotive vehicles by different methods. T. Kauppinen, K. Korhonen. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal 1987;48(5):499-504. PubMed · Publisher
• Proportionate mortality ratio analysis of automobile mechanics and gasoline service station workers in New Hampshire. E. Schwartz. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 1987;12(1):91-9. PubMed · Publisher
• Asbestos dust exposure during brake repair. K. Rödelsperger, H. Jahn, B. Brückel, et al. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 1986;10(1):63-72. PubMed · Publisher
• Mesothelioma in a brake repair worker. A.M. Langer, W.T. McCaughey. Lancet 1982;2(8307):1101-3. Case report · Letter PubMed · Publisher
• Asbestos fibres and the environment. British Medical Journal 1981;282(6277):1707. Letter PubMed · Free full text

1970s

• Asbestos exposure during brake lining maintenance and repair. A.N. Rohl, A.M. Langer, M.S. Wolff, et al. Environmental Research 1976;12(1):110-28. PubMed · Publisher
• The hazards of asbestos for brake mechanics. B. Castleman, L.A. Camarota, A.J. Fritsch, et al. Public Health Reports 1975;90(3):254-6. PubMed · Free full text
• Exposure to asbestos during brake maintenance. D.E. Hickish, K.L. Knight. The Annals of Occupational Hygiene 1970;13(1):17-21. PubMed · Publisher
• Possible alternatives to asbestos as a friction material. D. Hatch. The Annals of Occupational Hygiene 1970;13(1):25-9. PubMed · Publisher

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