niosh report on mesothelioma

Plaintiffs append a NIOSH generated report which states, among other things, that "although the precise risk associated with particular levels of exposure to asbestos remains controversial, the fact that exposure to asbestos causes severe and often fatal disease is widely recognized by the scientific community." The report goes on to say that no safe level of asbestos exposure has been established and that increased asbestos related disease has been detected in all occupationally exposed workers. Recommendations were made that included provision of respirators and establishment of a decontamination area as well as improved monitoring of air quality. The plant was closed in part because investigators concluded based on air samples that a health hazard existed.

Another NIOSH report to Congress in September 1995 stated that "[f]atal lung diseases have occurred among family members of workers engaged in the manufacture of many products containing asbestos including thermal insulation materials . . . brake shoes and other friction products for automobiles." The report specifically notes that mesothelioma can result from low levels of exposure and for only a short period of time. In addition, plaintiffs furnish a copy of the Gold Book, issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency entitled Guidance for Prevention Asbestos Disease Among Auto Mechanics, the title of which demonstrates that auto mechanics are at increased risk from respirable asbestos fibers. The book goes on to assert that millions of asbestos fibers can be released during brake and clutch servicing and that asbestos fibers can linger on in garages after servicing has been completed. There are many other references to dangers of asbestos exposure as well as an assertion that mesothelioma has occurred among brake mechanics, their wives and their children.

see also:

Working With Asbestos Did Working With Asbestos Cause Cancer or Lung Disease? Lawsuit Review
Working with asbestos may lead to mesothelioma or lung cancerL Lawyers

Plaintiff's expert: David Egilman Plaintiff's expert opinion: David Egilman
Read about the David Egilman's expert opinion on asbestos

Court opinion Court opinion in brake mechanics' mesothelioma case
Court opinion in mesothelioma case of brake mechanics