Asbestos was commonly used in various industries, including aviation, until its health hazards were discovered. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used for its heat-resistant properties in aircraft engines, brakes, gaskets, insulation, and other parts. However, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by asbestos while working as an aircraft mechanic, contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP, to determine your legal options.
How are Aircraft Mechanics at Risk?
Aircraft mechanics who have worked with or been in close proximity to asbestos-containing materials face an increased risk of developing asbestos-related health problems. This heightened risk arises from the potential inhalation or skin contact with asbestos fibers during regular tasks, such as maintenance, repair, or overhauling of aircraft parts.
Asbestos-containing materials may be disturbed during these activities, releasing microscopic asbestos fibers into the air. Inhalation of these fibers is a primary route of exposure, as the tiny fibers can easily become airborne and subsequently be breathed in by mechanics. Once inhaled, these asbestos fibers can become lodged in the respiratory system, including the lungs, where they may cause long-term damage.
Skin contact with asbestos-containing materials is another possible mode of exposure for aircraft mechanics. Direct handling of asbestos-containing components or working in an environment where asbestos fibers are present can result in the fibers attaching to the skin. Although skin absorption of asbestos fibers is generally less significant than inhalation, it can still contribute to the overall exposure risk.
Removing or disposing of asbestos-containing materials from aircraft can also pose a hazard. Handling and disturbing these materials during removal can release asbestos fibers into the air, creating a potential risk for the mechanics directly involved and others in the vicinity who may inadvertently inhale these airborne fibers.
Asbestos Sources
Aircraft mechanics may have been exposed to asbestos from various sources and materials commonly found in aircraft. Here are some specific examples:
- Adhesives: Asbestos-containing adhesives were used in various applications within aircraft construction and repair processes.
- Asbestos blankets: Asbestos blankets or sheets were often utilized for insulation purposes or as fire barriers in different aircraft components, including engines and electrical systems.
- Asbestos gloves and other textiles: Asbestos fibers were incorporated into gloves, protective clothing, and other textiles used by mechanics for insulation, fire resistance, or heat protection.
- Brake pads: Brake pads in older aircraft often contained asbestos due to its heat-resistant properties and ability to withstand friction and high temperatures.
- Cockpit heating systems: Asbestos materials, such as insulation or heating element covers, were used in cockpit heating systems to provide thermal insulation.
- Engine and electrical insulation: Asbestos-containing materials were commonly used as insulation in engines and electrical systems, including wire insulation and heat shields.
- Engine mounts: Some engine mounts contained asbestos materials to dampen vibrations and provide heat resistance.
- Engine shields and shrouds: Asbestos-based materials were used for shielding and providing thermal protection around engine components.
- Epoxy: Asbestos fibers were occasionally added to epoxy or resin-based products for reinforcement or fire resistance.
- Gaskets: Asbestos gaskets were commonly used in engines, fuel systems, and other areas requiring sealing due to their heat resistance and durability.
- Insulation: Asbestos insulation was utilized in various parts of aircraft, such as fuselage insulation, pipe insulation, or insulation within control panels.
- Repair equipment: Equipment used in aircraft repair, such as sanding blocks or grinding wheels, may have contained asbestos as a reinforcing or binding agent.
- Valves: Some valves and piping systems in aircraft contained asbestos gaskets or seals to ensure proper sealing and resistance to high temperatures.
Asbestos Health Risks
Exposure to asbestos poses significant health risks. Inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers can lead to various serious health conditions, including:
- Mesothelioma: This is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs but can also impact the lining of the abdomen, heart, or other organs. It is primarily caused by asbestos exposure.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Smokers exposed to asbestos are more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers.
- Asbestosis: Prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can cause asbestosis, a chronic lung disease characterized by scarring and fibrosis of lung tissue. It can lead to breathing difficulties, coughing, and permanent lung damage.
- Pleural Disorders: Asbestos exposure can cause various disorders affecting the pleura, the lining around the lungs. These include pleural plaques (thickened areas on the pleural membrane), pleural effusion (accumulation of fluid in the pleural space), and pleural thickening (scarring and thickening of the pleural lining).
- Other Cancers: Apart from mesothelioma and lung cancer, asbestos exposure has also been linked to an increased risk of developing cancers in other organs, such as the larynx, ovaries, and gastrointestinal tract.
It’s important to note that the health risks associated with asbestos exposure are cumulative, and the symptoms or diseases may not manifest immediately. They can take several years or even decades to develop after the initial exposure. The severity of the health risks depends on factors such as the duration, intensity, and frequency of exposure, as well as individual susceptibility and other risk factors (such as smoking).
Manufacturers of Asbestos-Containing Aircraft Parts
Some of the leading companies that were associated with the manufacture or use of asbestos products in the aviation industry include the following:
- Allied Signal, Inc.: Involved in aerospace and defense, including the production of various aircraft components.
- American Cyanamid Company: Previously involved in the production of chemicals, including asbestos-related products.
- B.F. Goodrich Company: Known for manufacturing aircraft tires, brakes, and other aerospace components.
- Boeing Company: Major aerospace manufacturer involved in the production of commercial and military aircraft. In the past, asbestos-containing materials may have been used in some components.
- Cleveland Wheel & Brakes: Known for producing wheel and brake systems used in aircraft.
- Durez Plastics: Previously manufactured various types of plastics and resins, including some containing asbestos.
- Fairchild Republic Company: Involved in the production of military and civilian aircraft.
- General Dynamics Corporation: Involved in aerospace and defense, including the production of military aircraft and components.
- Goodyear Aerospace Corporation: Known for manufacturing aerospace components, including tires and other aviation products.
- Grumman Aerospace Corporation: Involved in the production of military and civilian aircraft.
- Honeywell Corporation: Involved in various industries, including aerospace, where they manufactured a range of products, including brakes, avionics, and other systems.
- Hysol Aerospace Corporation: Previously involved in manufacturing adhesives and sealants used in aerospace applications.
- Johns-Manville: A major manufacturer of asbestos-containing products, including insulation materials, which were used in various industries, including aviation.
- Lockheed Martin Corporation: Involved in the production of military aircraft, missiles, and related systems.
- Metalclad Insulation Corporation: Previously involved in the manufacturing and installation of insulation products, including some containing asbestos.
- National Gypsum Company: Known for manufacturing gypsum-based products, including construction materials that may have contained asbestos.
- Uniroyal Holding, Inc.: Previously involved in the production of rubber and plastic products, including asbestos-containing materials used in various industries.
If you’ve been around parts manufactured by the above companies, speak to the lawyers at Bailey & Glasser to find out your rights.
Final Thoughts
Bailey & Glasser’s Asbestos and Lung Disease Team specializes in providing legal representation for individuals who have developed cancer as a result of asbestos exposure.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, it’s important to seek legal assistance to understand your rights and explore potential avenues for compensation. Bailey & Glasser’s team has experience handling cases related to asbestos-related diseases and can provide guidance and representation throughout the legal process.
