Hidden Dangers in Classic Cars - Brian Turner

I was recently contacted by a gentleman by the name of Brian Turner, that was hoping to raise awareness on various dangers associated with materials used in classic and antique automobiles.  I'm always willing to pass on a cause like this when it comes to keeping safe while doing the stuff we love to do.  So have a read.  Maybe it will help someone...

Thanks Brian!

The Hidden Dangers in Classic Cars

You finally have your dream classic, antique car and you are feeling like a million dollars, but there is something you should be aware of when it comes to your antique car. Antique cars contain many toxic substances.

Lead is a toxic substance found in the electrical parts, batteries and soldered joints on radiators in antique cars. Lead, of course, is found in the paint used on these older cars. In particular, yellow and red pigments contain the carcinogenic lead chromate and cadmium. When these two substances are inhaled, this leads to deadly lung irritation. Protective equipment should be worn over the face when sanding the body of your antique car.

Large accumulated amounts of oil, dirt and grease are found in antique cars that have high mileage. This accumulation is found around engines, transmissions, axles and drive shafts. These deposits contain toxic ingredients. One particular toxic ingredient is phenol residuals. It goes without saying to wear protective gloves when handling these old deposits. Also, avoid inhaling these phenol residuals because they can have a fatal affect on the central nervous system.

Bromine is a material used in making certain parts on antique cars such as the seats, seat belts and dashboard parts. It has been found to cause memory loss, fertility problems, behavioral issues and learning disabilities. Bromine is associated with complications that can occur not only in the immediate future but conditions that involve additional generations far in the future.

Asbestos is a toxic substance that has long been associated with mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer that affects the lining around the internal organs. It has been in the news for quite a number of years, but its connection to antique cars has not been well known. Asbestos exposure has been linked to kidney and esophageal cancers. It is asbestos that was used in the drum brakes, brake linings and transmission plates of antique cars. Some people are under the impression that it is no longer used in automobiles, but it is still used by many foreign manufacturers. Because of the documented evidence on asbestos, anyone working on antique cars should use extreme caution.