(NC) Weekend mechanics who love to tinker with their vehicles might also be tinkering with their health. That's because asbestos, a substance that can cause cancer and other illnesses, can sometimes be found in vehicle parts.

The Government of Canada is moving forward with a ban on asbestos. However, asbestos has been used in the past to insulate against heat or noise and to protect against fire. It has also been used in some store-bought automotive brakes and clutches.

Working on these parts could cause tiny asbestos fibres to be released into the air. When inhaled, these fibres can cause cancer and other illnesses.

Home mechanics repairing and replacing brakes and clutches on their vehicles may be exposed to asbestos fibres when drilling or cutting brakes and clutch linings.

New vehicles are not known to contain brakes or clutches with asbestos, but if parts have been replaced, you won't be able to tell if they contain asbestos just by looking at them. Some imported replacement brakes may contain asbestos, so check packaging information or ask your auto parts dealer for details.

If you can't determine whether your brakes or clutch contain asbestos, you can reduce your risk of exposure by having your brakes or clutch serviced at a commercial automotive shop.

For more information, visit Canada.ca/health

www.newscanada.com