The Hidden Risks of Brake Cleaner Overuse in Auto Shops
In December 2024, the EPA banned the use of tetrachloroethylene or TCE, a common component of brake cleaner, for use in commercial products in the USA. Auto shops are seeking safer alternatives.
“After decades of workers and communities across the country sounding the alarm about the devastating health effects they’ve experienced, we are glad to see that EPA has finally banned these dangerous chemicals,” said Liz Hitchcock, director of federal policy for the Toxic-Free Future advocacy group in an article published by the Guardian.
Throughout 2024 CHAOS Moto, an automotive supply company from Arizona, interviewed mechanics across North America to gain insight into shop practices. They were surprised to learn about the widespread misuse of brake cleaner as an all-purpose cleaning solution. Shop staff use it to clean various parts and surfaces because it is powerful and gets the job done, but the dangerous side effects are not well understood.
This trend was alarming because of the health risks associated with direct skin exposure or unintentional inhalation of brake cleaning solutions.
Professional mechanics frequently expose themselves to brake cleaner's dangerous components. It can be dangerous if it comes into contact with the skin. It contains powerful solvents which can cause skin irritation, redness, and discomfort upon direct contact. Prolonged or repeated exposure can lead to more severe effects, such as defatting of the skin, dermatitis, or even chemical burns in extreme cases. Additionally, some chemicals in brake cleaner may be absorbed through the skin and pose systemic health risks, including potential carcinogenic effects.
What to use instead of brake cleaner for wheel weight preparation:
Tire Technicians reported they were using brake cleaner for wheel weight preparation.
“In 2004 the largest tire company in the world, helped us develop a product to replace brake clean for adhering wheel weights to aluminum wheels. Now more than ever we realize this safer solution is critical due to the recent ban of TCE in brake cleaner.” Richard Thomas, Co-Founder, CHAOS Moto.
The solution CHAOS (Chemical Handling and Occupational Safety) Moto created is called Prep N Stick. It is specifically for wheel preparation before wheel weight installation. It is non-toxic and it effectively cleans and preps surfaces while eliminating the health risks associated with brake cleaner.
Auto shops using Prep N Stick report improved worker satisfaction and consistent results in their wheel services, all while maintaining a safer work environment.
Prep n Stick Free Trial Program
CHAOS Moto has been sending free samples of this product to shops across the USA to promote a safer option for staff when they are balancing tires. If you want to try this out for your shop, use this contact form.
Further Reading:
Long Term Effects of Brake Cleaner Exposure
The long-term effects of regular brake cleaner use can be hazardous, Extended exposure can affect the central nervous system, potentially causing memory loss, confusion, dizziness, and chronic nerve damage. The chemicals can also impact liver and kidney function, and some components are classified as probable carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Brake cleaner contains more hazardous chemicals (e.g., fluorocarbons in some types) and can produce toxic gases like phosgene when exposed to heat
If brake cleaner contacts the skin, it is important to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and remove any contaminated clothing. Prolonged exposure should be avoided by wearing protective gloves and following safety precautions.
There are significant long-term health effects associated with the use of brake cleaner, particularly due to its toxic chemical components like tetrachloroethylene and benzene. These effects include:
1. Central Nervous System (CNS) Damage
- Prolonged exposure to tetrachloroethylene can cause neurological issues such as memory loss, confusion, dizziness, and even chronic nerve damage[2][6].
- N-Hexane, another common ingredient in brake cleaners, is neurotoxic and can lead to permanent numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness with long-term exposure[6].
2. Liver and Kidney Damage
- Tetrachloroethylene has been shown to damage the liver and kidneys over time due to its toxicity when absorbed through the skin or inhaled[2][7].
3. Respiratory Issues
- Chronic inhalation of brake cleaner fumes can lead to respiratory irritation, bronchitis, or fluid buildup in the lungs. In extreme cases, it may cause chronic respiratory conditions[4][7].
4. Carcinogenic Risks
- Tetrachloroethylene is classified as a Group 2A carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), meaning it is "probably carcinogenic to humans"[6].
- Benzene, present in some formulations of brake cleaner, is a known carcinogen linked to blood cancers such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), multiple myeloma (MM), and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL)[5].
5. Parkinson’s Disease
- Long-term exposure to tetrachloroethylene has been associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease[3][6].
6. Skin Damage
- Repeated skin contact can lead to defatting of the skin, chronic dryness, dermatitis, or even chemical burns over time[1][7].
7. Toxic Gas Formation
- When exposed to high heat (e.g., during welding), tetrachloroethylene can break down into phosgene gas—a highly toxic substance that can cause delayed respiratory failure and chronic bronchitis[4].
To mitigate these risks, it is crucial for users to wear protective gloves, masks, and work in well-ventilated areas when handling brake cleaner. As well, find alternate solutions for tasks which don’t require the use of this product.
Sources
[1] What Are the Dangers of Brake Cleaner? - Apel USA https://apelusa.com/dangers-of-brake-cleaner/
[2] Tetrachloroethylene, a deadly danger in brake cleaner | Envirofluid https://www.envirofluid.com/articles/tetrachloroethylene-a-deadly-danger-in-brake-cleaner/
[3] Put Down The Brake Kleen and its Tetrachloroethylene : r/cars - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/mviz4r/put_down_the_brake_kleen_and_its/
[4] Safety Alert! Brake Cleaner = Phosgene Gas - BREW Bikes LLC https://www.brewracingframes.com/safety-alert-brake-cleaner--phosgene-gas.html
[5] Is Brake Cleaner Giving Mechanics Cancer? - Benzene Lawyers https://www.benzenelawyers.com/benzene-in-brake-cleaner
[6] Brake Cleaner – Non-Chlorinated v's Chlorinated - Envirofluid https://www.envirofluid.com/articles/brake-cleaner-non-chlorinated-vs-chlorinated-how-to-choose-between-deadly-deadlier/
[7] [PDF] Brakleen® Brake Parts Cleaner - SAFETY DATA SHEET https://docs.crcindustries.com/msds/5085.pdf