Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of thin, fibrous crystals. It was once widely used in various industries due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. However, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health risks, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Due to its hazardous nature, the use of asbestos has been significantly restricted and regulated in many countries.
If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos during your work in the aerospace industry and develop asbestos-related health problems, reach out to Bailey & Glasser, LLP. You may have legal options to seek compensation through workers’ compensation claims or lawsuits against responsible parties.
How are Aerospace Workers at Risk?
Asbestos-containing materials were used in the aerospace industry for several purposes, such as insulating aircraft components, including engines, pipes, and wiring. This widespread use of asbestos occurred until the health risks associated with asbestos exposure became well-known.
Prolonged and unprotected exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health issues. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause lung tissue scarring (asbestosis) and increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the chest and abdominal cavities, is strongly associated with asbestos exposure and can take decades to develop after exposure.
Asbestos Sources
While, nowadays, the use of asbestos is widely regulated and even banned in many places, people working on older aircraft may still face exposure to asbestos. Aerospace workers might be exposed to asbestos in various situations, including:
- Aircraft maintenance: During the maintenance, repair, or overhaul of older aircraft, asbestos-containing materials may be encountered in components like engine insulation, gaskets, and heat shields.
- Aircraft manufacturing: Aerospace workers involved in the production of aircraft or related components may encounter asbestos during the manufacturing process, especially if older equipment or materials are used.
- Aircraft demolition or disposal: When decommissioned aircraft are dismantled or disposed of, asbestos-containing materials within the aircraft structure can pose a risk if not handled properly.
- Maintenance facilities: Workers in aerospace maintenance facilities, including mechanics, technicians, and engineers, may be exposed to asbestos if they work on or around aircraft with asbestos-containing components.
- Insulation and coating removal: Removing or repairing insulation, coatings, or sealants that contain asbestos can release asbestos fibers into the air, putting workers at risk.
- Construction and renovation: During construction or renovation of aerospace facilities, asbestos-containing building materials like insulation, tiles, and cement products may be disturbed, leading to exposure if not handled correctly.
- Handling of spare parts: Aerospace workers handling spare parts, including those salvaged from older aircraft, may encounter asbestos-containing components or materials.
Asbestos Health Risks
Asbestos exposure is associated with several serious health risks, including:
- Lung cancer: Asbestos exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer. It can take years or even decades for lung cancer to develop after exposure. Smoking combined with asbestos exposure greatly increases the risk of lung cancer.
- Asbestosis: Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can scar and stiffen the lung tissue over time. This condition is called asbestosis and can lead to breathing difficulties, coughing, and decreased lung function.
- Mesothelioma: This is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) but can also affect the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and other organs. Mesothelioma is almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure.
- Pleural plaques: These are thickened areas of the pleura, the membrane lining the chest cavity and covering the lungs. While they are not cancerous, pleural plaques are a marker of asbestos exposure.
- Pleural effusion: Asbestos exposure can cause fluid buildup in the space between the pleura (pleural effusion), which can lead to chest pain and difficulty breathing.
- Gastrointestinal cancer: There is some evidence to suggest that asbestos exposure may also be linked to certain gastrointestinal cancers, including esophageal, stomach, and colorectal cancers.
- Other respiratory issues: In addition to the above conditions, asbestos exposure can lead to various respiratory problems, including shortness of breath, chronic cough, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.
The health effects of asbestos exposure are dose-dependent and can vary depending on the duration and intensity of exposure. Asbestos-related diseases often have a long latency period, meaning symptoms may not appear for many years after initial exposure. This makes diagnosing and treating the conditions challenging and means a diagnosis often doesn’t happen until it’s too late for a cure.
Manufacturers of Asbestos-Containing Aerospace Parts
- American Cyanamid Company:Known for producing Cymel 592, a product used in aircraft and auto ignition parts.
- Cleveland Wheel & Brakes (owned by Parker Hannifin Corporation):
- Durez Plastics: Created resins, adhesives, and electricals used on boats, aircraft, auto engine parts, and more.
- Fairchild Republic Company (a division of Fairchild Aircraft Corporation):
- Goodyear Aerospace Corporation: A subsidiary of Goodyear, producing caliper-style aircraft brakes and industrial brake linings for aircraft.
- Honeywell Corporation/Bendix Corporation: Also known as NARCO, one of the main manufacturers of refractory products designed for high-temperature settings.
- Hysol Aerospace Corporation: Manufactured adhesives for the aerospace industries.
- Johns Manville: The largest manufacturer of asbestos products across multiple industries, including shipyards, aerospace, construction, mining, welding, and more.
- Lockheed Martin Corporation:
- Metalclad Insulation Corporation: Metalclad insulation was used in ships, buildings, and aircraft.
- National Gypsum Company: National Gypsum was the main supplier of wallboard across the United States, also manufacturing insulation for cargo ships and acoustic panels used on aircraft engines.
- Uniroyal Holding, Inc.: Known for creating Asbeston, a lagging cloth used on insulation and other fireproof materials.
Final Thoughts
The latency period of mesothelioma is typically quite extended, often spanning decades after initial asbestos exposure. This prolonged delay in symptom development poses a significant challenge when it comes to early detection and diagnosis.
If you suspect that your work in the aerospace industry has exposed you to asbestos and you experience health issues related to this asbestos exposure, reach out to Bailey & Glasser, LLP for your free consultation. Our team is experienced in advocating for mesothelioma patients and their families. We recognize the profound impact of a mesothelioma diagnosis and the many uncertainties it brings, and we’re here to help you navigate your situation.
