Hidden Toxins in Classic Cars

Most people, whether or not they love classic cars, at least have an appreciation for them. A well maintained classic car is attractive to look at and serves as an homage to nostalgia. People who own a classic car may go to painstaking lengths to preserve the appearance and function of the car. Unfortunately, most are completely unaware of the fact that classic cars may also contain toxins that are unsafe to be around, and are no longer used in the production of new vehicles. Most people realize that there are toxins in the exhaust, but toxins may be found elsewhere as well.


One of the most troubling possibilities is the threat of asbestos. Asbestos is a natural fibrous mineral that was widely used by industry as a fireproof insulator. It was also used in the brake pads of many kinds of classic cars. Unfortunately, exposure to asbestos was later linked with a rare and horrendous cancer known as mesothelioma. When the fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they stay in the body for the rest of your life. For this reason, special care is necessary if any work is performed on the brakes or clutches of a classic car. Mesothelioma is a very serious disease that has no known cure. The survival rate is extremely low, and by the time symptoms manifest there is nothing that can be done to stop the spread of the cancer.

Another threat to be considered is lead. This is a toxin that was formerly used in paint, and many classic cars still have a lead paint job. If you plan on stripping the pain from your car, this is something that you should be aware of. When paint is stripped away from the car, paint dust may be released into the air where it can be easily inhaled. If lead paint is breathed in, comes in contact with the skin, or ends up getting swallowed, it can lead to serious health problems. This includes nervous system disorders that can impair your memory, thought capacity, and bodily control. It can also affect your ability to reproduce, cause pain in your muscles and joints, and increase your blood pressure to dangerous levels.

Finally, another relatively common toxin that you should be aware of is bromine. This may be found in parts of the car's interior. It is most commonly found in plastic and vinyl car parts. Examples include the car seat, seat belts, and dashboard. Short term exposure to bromine results in inflation or irritation of the throat, nose and mouth. It can also irritate the skin. Being exposed to bromine for longer periods of time can lead to damage of the kidneys, problems with memory and learning, and issues with breathing.

By Brian