Do auto mechanics often have health problems later in life?

I always notice on the oil bottles when I change my oil about how contact of oil with the skin has been tied to some kinds of cancer, or something lik...



I always notice on the oil bottles when I change my oil about how contact of oil with the skin has been tied to some kinds of cancer, or something like that. Isn't all the grease, brake dust (asbestos), gasoline, antifreeze, freon, and oil, hazardous? Well, I know it is. I guess it's okay if you work on your own car from time to time and you're careful, but what about the mechanics that work on cars ALL DAY, EVERYDAY, THEIR ENTIRE LIVES - BLACK FINGERS THEIR WHOLE LIFE. This is constant exposure. Even though they're careful and don't DRINK the antifreeze, they are exposed to it at some small level - for a prolonged period of time. Your skin can absorb this stuff.

9 Responses to “Do auto mechanics often have health problems later in life?”

  1. Timothy E says:

    Auto mechanics are exposed to lots of nasty things during their careers.
    The least of which is oil. Oil can stain your skin over a long period of
    time, but probably wouldn’t cause cancer. Exposure to antifreeze is
    dangerous if you ingest/inhale large quantities quickly. This is because
    of the ethylene glycol used to make the antifreeze. Ethylene glycol is
    poisonous to humans. However, it isn’t an accumulated affect. In small
    amounts, the liver and kidneys can clean the toxin from the body…it’s
    large amounts at once that over load your system and cause renal
    failure. That’s when you organs start shutting down and you die. Another
    thing that is dangerous for auto mechanics is asbestos. It is found in
    brake pads and some other parts of the engine. Asbestos is a fiber that
    when inhaled can damage the lungs, and over a period of time can cause a
    specific type of cancer called mesothelioma. Gasoline is dangerous when
    inhaled..and it is a accumulated problem. Prolonged exposure to fumes
    will kill brain cells and be a cause of strokes.
    All in all, there really shouldn’t be a problem…more so than any other
    occupation. My grandfather was a mechanic for 50 years almost and he’s
    still kicking around if not in great health..atleast decent.

  2. TRUST says:

    ????????????????????????????????????????????

  3. Darkest Light says:

    Perhaps, but I do not know 100% yet.

  4. Mark W says:

    naw……. i feel great just get me another beer!

  5. David S says:

    Only from the after work activities. Alcoholism is a hazzard of the trade as an example.

  6. negaduck says:

    i know breathing in brake clean all day doesnt help

  7. robert S says:

    Most people who handle chemicals will eventually show evidence of an allergic reaction to it

  8. Druid says:

    >Sure…but then most everybody has health problems later in life.<

  9. tym v says:

    skin cancer on the hands and breathing problems

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