However, people who both smoke and work with asbestos are at a much higher risk of developing lung cancer. Brake fluids may contain chemicals that are irritating to the respiratory system, the skin, and the eyes. AUTO BODY WORK Both fiberglass and talc have been used as fillers in body work, in combination with either polyester or epoxy resins. Working with fiberglass warrants precautions to avoid inhalation. Styrene, a respiratory irritant, is often used in making polyester resins.
Epoxy resins cause allergic sensitivity reactions on the skin.
Some epoxy resins produce an asthma-like condition. Spray painting after fiber glassing or using other surface preparations may cause a number of air contaminants to be released into the environment of a body shop. Lead and zinc chromates are common primer pigments that can cause lung irritation if inhaled and skin irritation on contact. These pigments have been implicated in causing cancer. Solvents present in primers and paints may cause respiratory irritation.