For much of the 20th century, the automotive industry heavily relied on asbestos for its unique heat-resistant and durable qualities. Now recognized as a highly dangerous material, asbestos was a key component in several brake product lines, including those manufactured by Bendix, Raybestos, and Ferodo. These brands, once trusted by mechanics and car enthusiasts worldwide, have since come under scrutiny due to the health risks associated with their products.
If you’ve ever handled, used, or been exposed to Bendix, Raybestos, or Ferodo brakes—especially older versions—you may have unknowingly come into contact with asbestos. This article explores the history of asbestos in brakes, the associated health risks, legal implications, and what to do if you’ve been exposed.
1. The History of Asbestos Use in Brakes
Why Asbestos?
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, became popular in industrial manufacturing due to its ability to resist heat, fire, and chemicals while also being flexible and strong. These properties made it an ideal component in friction products—especially brake pads, brake shoes, and clutches.
In braking systems, heat resistance is critical. Brakes generate significant friction and heat, particularly in commercial and performance vehicles. Manufacturers like Bendix, Raybestos, and Ferodo used asbestos to produce longer-lasting and more reliable braking systems throughout the mid-1900s.
Brands That Used Asbestos:
- Bendix: A division of Honeywell, Bendix brake products were widely used in both consumer vehicles and heavy machinery.
- Raybestos: Known for high-performance braking systems, Raybestos products were common in passenger vehicles and racing cars.
- Ferodo: A British brand acquired by Federal-Mogul, Ferodo supplied OEM and aftermarket parts globally.
These brands were trusted for their quality—unfortunately, that trust came with a hidden cost.
2. Health Risks Associated with Asbestos
How Asbestos Affects the Body
Asbestos exposure occurs when its microscopic fibers become airborne and are inhaled. These fibers can become lodged in the lungs and other organs, causing serious diseases over time.
Diseases Linked to Asbestos Exposure:
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It has a long latency period—sometimes 20 to 50 years after exposure.
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, leading to lung scarring and shortness of breath.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos is a known carcinogen and significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially in smokers.
- Pleural Plaques and Thickening: Non-cancerous changes in the lining of the lungs that can impair breathing.
Who Was at Risk?
- Auto mechanics and technicians who handled brake pads, cleaned brake drums, or replaced clutches were especially at risk.
- Factory workers involved in manufacturing or packaging asbestos-containing brakes.
- Home DIYers who worked on their own cars without proper protective equipment.
- Family members of workers exposed to asbestos dust brought home on clothing (known as secondary exposure).
3. When Did These Brands Stop Using Asbestos?
U.S. Regulations Timeline
- 1970s: Growing evidence led to partial bans on certain asbestos uses in the U.S.
- 1989: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule to ban most asbestos-containing products.
- 1991: This ban was mostly overturned in court, but many manufacturers voluntarily phased out asbestos use due to litigation risk and public awareness.
- 2000s: Brands like Bendix and Raybestos transitioned to non-asbestos organic (NAO) or ceramic brake materials.
However, aftermarket and imported parts may still contain asbestos, especially in countries with lax regulations. The EPA issued a Final Risk Evaluation for Asbestos (Part 1) in 2020, acknowledging the ongoing health risks from certain uses of chrysotile asbestos, the type used in automotive brakes.
4. Legal Implications: Can You File a Claim?
Asbestos Litigation in the U.S.
Asbestos-related lawsuits are among the longest-running and most costly mass torts in U.S. history. Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases have successfully sued companies like Honeywell (Bendix), Raybestos-Manhattan, and Federal-Mogul (Ferodo’s parent company).
Examples:
- Honeywell International, the current owner of the Bendix brand, has faced thousands of lawsuits alleging it sold asbestos-containing brakes without adequate warnings.
- Raybestos-Manhattan was involved in several class-action lawsuits before selling its brake business.
- Federal-Mogul, owner of Ferodo, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2001 to deal with mounting asbestos liabilities.
Trust Funds:
Many companies established asbestos bankruptcy trust funds to compensate victims. These funds have paid out billions to workers, mechanics, and families affected by asbestos exposure.
5. What to Do If You Were Exposed
1. Seek Medical Evaluation
If you handled these brakes—especially before the 1990s—you should inform your doctor. Regular imaging and lung function tests can help detect early signs of disease.
2. Talk to a Legal Expert
If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, consult a qualified asbestos attorney. They can help you:
- Determine which companies’ products you were exposed to.
- File claims with asbestos trust funds.
- Pursue lawsuits against still-liable manufacturers.
3. Avoid Further Exposure
Although domestic asbestos use is limited, imported parts and used brake components may still contain asbestos. Ensure that any auto work is done with modern, asbestos-free parts and proper protective gear.
6. Safer Alternatives to Asbestos Brakes
Modern brake manufacturers now use safer materials:
- Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO): Made with organic fibers, fillers, and resins. Quieter and safer but wear out faster.
- Ceramic Brakes: Durable, produce less dust, and withstand high temperatures.
- Semi-Metallic Brakes: Combine metal and synthetic materials for performance and durability.
Always check the specifications when buying replacement parts, especially from overseas suppliers.
7. The Global Landscape: Are Asbestos Brakes Still Used Today?
While many developed countries have banned asbestos, it’s still used in parts of Asia, Africa, and South America. According to the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS), over 60 countries have banned asbestos—but others continue to mine and export it.
Imported Risk:
A 2015 study by the Environmental Working Group found that aftermarket brake pads sold in the U.S. and Canada occasionally contained asbestos. Buyers should be cautious and verify the material composition of imported automotive parts.
8. Advocacy and Awareness
Numerous organizations continue to fight for a global asbestos ban:
- Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
- Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
- World Health Organization (WHO)
These organizations also offer resources for people exposed to asbestos and support legislative efforts to limit or ban its use.
Conclusion
If you used or worked with Bendix, Raybestos, or Ferodo brakes—especially during the 1950s to 1980s—you may have been exposed to asbestos, a material now known to cause deadly diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. Although these companies have transitioned away from asbestos, the health and legal consequences persist for those exposed.
Knowing your risk, seeking medical advice, and exploring legal options can make a significant difference. Modern technology has given us safer alternatives—let’s make sure we use them and hold companies accountable for the legacy of asbestos exposure.
References
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Asbestos Risk Evaluation
- Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. https://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). https://www.osha.gov/asbestos
- International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS). http://ibasecretariat.org
- Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. https://www.curemeso.org
- Environmental Working Group. “Brake Pads and Asbestos,” EWG Report, 2015.
- Honeywell International Inc. SEC Filings – Asbestos Litigation Updates.
- Raybestos History – Federal-Mogul Corporation Records.
