Re: Asbestos ( Government Regulation) what a load of #$%*!

Posted by DJ.Voyce on Oct. 21, 1998 at 01:19:22

In Reply to: Asbestos (actually Government Regulation) is a sore spot.
posted by Joe on Oct. 19, 1998 at 09:17:52

G'Day All,
I'd like to get my oar in on this discussion. Firstly being closely involved in the brake business on a daily basis, we are subject to the normal Hazmat rules & regulations, "BUT", there was an article put out by a technical journal a while back which stated that, "The incidence of asbestosis
as a direct result of contact with asbestos linings is virtually nil. The materials used to replace asbestos may be just as dangerous". Then further down the text the article states "It is incorrect to say that asbestos friction materials are a health hazard to motorists or the public, as the only risk in using these products is during the manufacturing process". This goes to show the power that
advertising can have in spreading the propoganda that scares the hell out of the uninformed Joe public, I mean when was the last time any of you out there heard of someone who'd died from asbestosis because they lived on a hill where heavy trucks were driving past using their brakes every day??.
Most asbestos products are in the form of some sort of moulding, be it in a cement based sheet or pipe form, or as in the case of brake & clutch linings, a type of resin which holds everything together. This resin is actually what makes the wonderful smell that brake shops love when the lining is overheated. I agree with all the other postings that whilst certain basic precautions must be taken, the general phobia which seems to class asbestos along side radiation poisoning is purely media generated hype & offers a good chance for some to make a fast buck.
Regardz
DJ.
OutOfAfrica A's

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