The National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA) Asbestos Exposure

The National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA) has a rich history of supplying and distributing automotive parts. However, like many other automotive companies, NAPA used asbestos in its products, leading to the development of asbestos-related illnesses among mechanics and consumers. Consequently, NAPA has been involved in legal proceedings related to asbestos exposure.

History of Asbestos Use

NAPA’s origins date back to 1925 when a consortium of independent automotive part vendors united to enhance the sale and distribution of auto parts to consumers and small businesses. Throughout the twentieth century, NAPA, much like its automotive counterparts, employed and sold products containing asbestos. Common automotive items such as gaskets, clutch linings, brakes, and brake pads often contained asbestos. This put NAPA employees and customers at risk of asbestos exposure.

Over the years, NAPA expanded its operations both nationally and internationally. In 1936, the first store opened in Atlanta, Georgia, and by 1966, NAPA introduced its first NAPA-branded parts. The company’s growth was further propelled by a partnership with Genuine Parts Company (GPC), a prominent auto parts supplier, which eventually became the owner of NAPA.

Today, NAPA boasts an extensive distribution network with over 500,000 part numbers distributed across the United States. The company operates through 57 distribution centers, 6,000 NAPA Auto Parts shops, and more than 16,000 NAPA AutoCare centers. With approximately 52,000 employees spanning 15 countries, NAPA’s expansive reach implies that thousands of individuals may have been exposed to asbestos from its products.

While NAPA ceased using asbestos in its products around 1980 due to increased regulation, NAPA Auto Parts stores may still sell imported auto parts containing asbestos, posing ongoing risks of asbestos exposure to consumers and mechanics. Victims of asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, have filed lawsuits against NAPA.

Asbestos Products

NAPA’s product line included a wide array of automotive parts. During the peak of asbestos usage, many of these products incorporated asbestos due to its durability and heat resistance. Asbestos was a favored choice for components such as gaskets and friction products like brake linings. Although asbestos is now subject to stricter regulations, older vehicles and parts, as well as imported parts from other countries, may still contain asbestos.

Occupational Exposure

NAPA played a pivotal role as a supplier of automotive parts during the era when asbestos was widely used. Individuals who came into contact with NAPA’s products faced potential asbestos exposure. The wear and tear, maintenance, and repair of asbestos-containing auto parts could release asbestos fibers into the air, leading to inhalation and the potential development of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Occupational asbestos exposure affected various groups, including auto mechanics, shop personnel, vehicle restoration technicians, and factory workers engaged in the production of brake pads, linings, gaskets, insulation, and other auto parts. At-home vehicle repairs also posed risks to consumers who used asbestos-containing auto parts. Additionally, family members of workers and consumers faced an increased risk of asbestos-related diseases due to secondary exposure.

To mitigate these risks, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provided guidelines advising mechanics to assume that all brakes contained asbestos materials. It recommended best practices for working with materials that potentially contained asbestos. At-home mechanics were encouraged to seek professional assistance when dealing with such materials to prevent exposure.

Asbestos Litigation

In recent years, both NAPA and its owner, GPC, have been subject to asbestos-related lawsuits filed by individuals who suffered injuries as a result of using NAPA products.

NAPA and GPC still face lawsuits related to their products. Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos and seek compensation are encouraged to consult with a mesothelioma lawyer to explore their legal options. Those who develop asbestos-related illnesses, as well as their surviving family members, may be eligible for compensation.