Brake pads and asbestos

[zalle]

Hi guys,

I put back the original 45 year old Nissin pads on my Z (I think they are original, not 100% sure since I bought the bike used, in 94).
I recently renewed the brakes, and sanded the pads by hand.
I read that these pads have asbestos... Is it a problem?

[Dynamohum]

Well, how do you mean ‘problem’? You (have) heard that asbestos can be lethal if enough of it is inhaled or if you’re directly exposed to it right? I suppose that wearing gloves and a mask while handling asbestos or while sanding an asbestos infused brake pad is a good idea although a single episode of exposure probably isn’t anything to worry about.

[zalle]

Well, thanks. Just one more stupid thing I did in my life.

[Larry Zimmer]

Not to worry. Use them until they're gone.

[Devonian]

Industrial Hygiene guys at a brake and clutch manufacturing facility I visited told me that asbestos fibres are the health concern (we all know that, right?) Brake dust from normal brake use is broken down into such fine particles that fibres of sufficient size are essentially non-existent. That said, sanding is not normal use and dust of many kinds can be harmful in different ways, so it pays to be careful. Wetting surfaces to damp down dust is a well-tested approach.