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Aerospace Industry - Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
A number of jobs within the aerospace industry have been affected by asbestos exposure and the resulting health problems including mesothelioma cancer. The majority of these exposures occurred with people who worked with and around airplanes between World War II and 1980. During that time, asbestos was used in a number of different airplane parts that could potentially expose workers during the building and ongoing maintenance of the planes.
Aerospace Jobs at High Risk for Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
The aerospace industry has been regarded as a hazardous working environment due to the high volume of confirmed asbestos exposures. Asbestos-containing products can release fibers and dust into the air when disturbed, which when inhaled can lead to a number of health problems including asbestosis and the following cancers: mesothelioma, lung, esophageal, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal. Unfortunately, many of these asbestos exposures could have been prevented if workers had simply been given the proper training and safety equipment. People working in the following aerospace jobs have been affected by mesothelioma and asbestos exposure:
- Aeronautical Engineers
- Aircraft Mechanics
- Aircraft Production Workers
Asbestos Products in the Aerospace Industry
Asbestos was used in different areas of a plane primarily because of its resistance to heat and friction, but also for its resistance to electrical and chemical damage, sound absorption and tensile strength. Asbestos-containing areas of planes included brakes, insulation, glues, and epoxies. The brakes of most airplanes were lined with asbestos for heat and friction purposes, and each time the plane braked, some of the asbestos would grind to dust and collect in the wheel wells. Servicing the brakes then released this dust into the air, causing aircraft mechanics to be at high risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos was added to epoxies and glues for various airplane parts because it strengthened those items. Left undisturbed it was not a problem, but planes are constantly serviced and cutting, grinding, sanding, or removal of these parts has the potential to release the deadly fibers.
As with most occupational asbestos exposures, the on-site workers are not the only people at risk for asbestosis, mesothelioma, and the other health risks. Aerospace workers often returned to their homes and families covered in asbestos fibers, putting both family and friends at risk.
Today’s Aerospace Workers Are Still at Risk for Asbestos Exposure
In 1981, the US Navy, like much of the industry, began to replace asbestos laden parts of their aircraft with parts containing similar, asbestos-free substitutes. Renovations to, and retrofitting of, older aircraft with new parts brings with it the danger of exposure when the older asbestos-containing parts are being handled and replaced. In addition, many parts, including the brake linings, are still allowed to contain low concentrations of asbestos so safety training and modern equipment is still important.
Were You Exposed to Asbestos at Your Aerospace Job? A Mesothelioma Attorney May be Able to Help
It is recommended that people who have spent a significant period of time working with and around planes get a full physical evaluation by a medical doctor. Mesothelioma, a rare, aggressive, and currently incurable cancer caused by asbestos exposure, often takes 15-40 years to manifest and victims average only one year of life after diagnosis. Thus, it is important to catch the disease in its early stages. At-risk workers should pay close attention to any mesothelioma symptoms which include fluid in the lungs, chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe you were exposed to asbestos over the course of your aerospace career, contact a mesothelioma attorney to get the financial compensation you may deserve. To learn more about your legal options and using a mesothelioma attorney, please contact us for a free case evaluation.
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