According to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), asbestos hasn’t been completely
eradicated from domestic car building. In fact, far from it—all major Japanese auto manufacturers (save Honda)
continued to incorporate asbestos in manufacturing up until last month. According to JAMA, the toxic material was used
in the assembly of 1.64 million vehicles produced since 1996.
According to the organization, however, there is
no risk of the carcinogen becoming airborn and being inhaled by humans, as the asbestos is kneaded into resin and/or
sealed.
Interestingly, the study cites Suzuki as the leading employer of the material, having used it
in the production of some 1.01 million vehicles. Other companies covered in the JAMA report include Toyota, Isuzu,
Nissan, Hino, and Mitsubishi.
The report did not detail use of asbestos by manufacturers from other
nations.
[Source: The Japan
Times]