Retread Manufacturing Workers Link to Asbestosis and Mesothelioma

Retreading Tire Workers’ Risk of  Asbestos Exposure

If you work or have worked in retread manufacturing, you know the routine by heart: inspect the casing, buff away the worn tread, bond a new tread, cure, finish, and send the tire back into service. What you may not know is the hidden dangers that live inside older tire casings. Many automotive components contain asbestos, including brake pads, clutch discs, and gaskets, which can contaminate casings from older tires. When old casings enter your retread station, they can release fibers that have settled into grooves and shoulder areas into the environment.

During high-speed buffing, skiving, trimming, and wire brushing, asbestos fibers become airborne, and workers nearby unknowingly inhale them. Over time, inhaling asbestos from retread manufacturing has been linked with harmful diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Not only are workers at risk of exposure, but family members also have the risk of developing life-threatening diseases from inhaling asbestos dust that traveled home on your clothing or tools. If you or a loved one works or previously worked in tread manufacturing, you deserve to understand how routine steps like buffing and bonding may have put you at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.

Many workers ask: “Do tires contain asbestos?” The answer lies in understanding that while modern retreading processes utilize safer materials, asbestos tires from previous decades continue to circulate through retread facilities. Asbestos in old cars doesn’t just stay in brake components; it can also contaminate tire casings that end up in your facility. Additionally, exposure to rubber fumes during heating and curing processes can compound health risks for retread workers. 

Wheel and Tire Builders with Mesothelioma

There have been numerous publicly documented cases of mesothelioma in the tire and rubber industry, including Carl Rogers, who worked at the Goodyear facility in Tyler, Texas. Tyler is located in the heart of what’s known as the rubber capital of the world. Rogers spent three decades working as a tire builder before doctors diagnosed him with mesothelioma. After going to trial, a Dallas County jury later held Goodyear liable for his asbestos exposure and awarded $18.6 million in damages. This verdict matters to tread manufacturing workers and their families because it shows how older casings and equipment moving through buffing and bonding areas can expose workers to asbestos dust, leading to life-threatening issues. 

Some family members of tread manufacturing workers have also received compensation for secondary exposure cases. In 2023, a Cook County jury awarded $30 million to a man named Thomas Jackson, whose peritoneal mesothelioma stemmed from asbestos fibers carried home on his father’s clothing. His father unknowingly brought home asbestos-contaminated talc on his clothes after his shift at a Firestone manufacturing plant in Decatur, Illinois. This case highlights the dangers of secondary exposure and the importance of using PPE and HEPA vacuums to prevent harmful exposure outside of work. 

In both cases, symptoms did not appear for years after initial exposure due to the disease’s long latency period. The CDC states that mesothelioma and asbestosis typically take 20 to 40 years after exposure to appear, so many are unaware until it is too late. Workers who have handled older casing or automotive equipment over the years should mention possible asbestos exposure from retread auto tires to their doctor. It’s especially important to let your doctor know if you worked in high-speed buffing, skiving, wire brushing, or using compressed air to clean casings. These positions were at most risk of disturbing the microscopic fibers, releasing them into the air for anyone nearby to inhale. 

Protecting Retread Manufacturing Workers from Asbestosis

Staying informed about workplace safety, especially in the retreading manufacturing industry, can protect your health and the health of your loved ones. Consistently using PPE, such as fit-tested P100 respirators, eye and skin protection, and dedicated work clothing, can help prevent harmful particles from entering your body. Proper ventilation systems, including local exhaust ventilation at buffing stations and general workplace air filtration, are equally important for reducing airborne asbestos concentrations. Additionally, undergoing health screenings tailored to the tire and rubber industry can aid in the early detection of asbestos-related diseases. Screenings such as baseline and periodic exams, spirometry, and imaging can significantly impact treatment outcomes and prognosis. 

If you’ve worked with retread tires or suspect asbestos exposure from retread manufacturing, we understand that this can be overwhelming, whether you’ve been diagnosed or remain healthy. Our team recognizes the unique challenges retreading workers face from handling asbestos in tire casings and asbestos in old cars. We’re here to help document your exposure history, organize medical records, and connect you with specialized attorneys who understand retread auto tires asbestos exposure cases. Because cases involving asbestos-contaminated tires have strict time limits, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Meeting with an experienced asbestos attorney is the best first step to understanding your compensation options and next steps. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our patient advocates today, as they are here to connect you with the help you deserve.