I remember, way back when, when asbestos wasn't considered hazardous. Lead wasn't either. We all handled it with no protection whatsoever laughing at the white 'moustaches' that we would get from handling it. My mechanic mentor/friend used compressed air routinely to clear the dust from the brake assemblies in the hundreds of cars that he worked on. I spent most of my career in the construction industry and during demolitions asbestos would float in the air like a cloud. Since that time, many hazardous materials have come to public awareness; most recently formaldehyde in fiberglass insulation and the possible use of asbestos as an additive to insulating materials in the building boom of the 40's, 50's and 60's. My point is, whatever the brake pads are made of now may not be considered hazardous now. Protect yourself with a respirator whenever you are dealing with dust, chemicals or even spray paint.
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