05/21/2026
From the Know Your Exposure series: Asbestos in the Automotive Industry 🚗🔧
In the early 1900's, the introduction of the Model T car and the assembly line process allowed automobiles to be widely available to the public. The explosion of demand led to many new jobs in the automotive industry. Automotive manufacturers employed hundreds of thousands as cars became commonplace in American life. However, this industry contained a dangerous truth: Asbestos was used everywhere.
Industrial cities located in the “Rust Belt”, as well as automotive capitols like Indianapolis, are home to most of the United States’ automotive production.
Asbestos was used:
- in protective clothing and equipment used by workers
- in tools and machines throughout automotive plants
- in high-heat components, such as:
• braking systems
• clutches
• insulation
• engine components
The use of asbestos created a toxic environment where cancer-causing asbestos fibers surrounded workers. When inhaled or ingested, these fibers can embed themselves in the body and later cause cancer.
Before the banning of asbestos use in brake pads in the 1990's, drum and disc brakes were made with up to 60% asbestos.
If you or a loved one worked in the automotive industry and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer, you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact us today for a FREE claim evaluation.
Call 1-800-478-9578
Visit getnorris.com/asb