THE IMPACT OF ASBESTOS ON HUMAN HEALTH: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Abstract

Exposure to asbestos poses a considerable threat to human health and is a major public health challenge. This study explores the impact of asbestos exposure on human health, with a specific focus on its implications for the automotive industry. Grounded in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) asbestos regulation framework, the research evaluates the toxicological effects of asbestos fibers, especially chrysotile, which has historically been used in brake pads, clutches, gaskets, and insulation materials. The theoretical framework is underpinned by Occupational and Environmental Health, emphasizing the interaction between workplace exposures and long-term health outcomes. The study utilizes secondary data from peer-reviewed epidemiological studies, World Health Organization (WHO) reports, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and case studies from automotive manufacturing and repair settings across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Data analyzed includes incidence rates of Mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer among automotive workers over a 30-year period. A mixedmethods analytical approach was employed. Quantitative data were statistically analyzed using trend analysis and regression models to identify correlations between exposure duration and disease onset. Qualitative data from occupational health audits and interviews with auto-repair workers were thematically analyzed to understand workplace practices and awareness of asbestos risks. Findings confirm a significant correlation between asbestos exposure in automotive work environments and increased incidence of respiratory illnesses, particularly among long-term mechanics and factory workers. The study concludes by recommending stricter regulatory enforcement, mandatory training programs, and the adoption of asbestosfree alternatives.