Airline Mechanics - Mesothelioma Risks
Both commercial airline mechanics and mechanics from the United States Air Force faced asbestos exposure hazards and the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. In one 2010 study that evaluated this exposure, researchers determined aircraft mechanics were at an increased risk for contracting mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis.
Repairing brakes on aircraft gave mechanics the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos. Prior to the 1970s, aircraft brakes were manufactured with asbestos. The mineral's fire-resistant properties made it ideal for automobile and aircraft brakes.
Other jobs that carried this risk included the installation of insulation around engines and electrical components. If a part on an aircraft was at risk of catching on fire, it was likely insulated with some form of asbestos material.
Today's mechanics do not have the asbestos exposure concerns than their predecessors did. Current regulations prohibit the use of asbestos material and parts, thereby greatly reducing exposure to a potentially toxic product.
Did You Handle Asbestos?
Could you have come into contact with asbestos as an airline mechanic?
Learn how and what it could mean long term from The Mesothelioma Center's free informational packet about asbestos and mesothelioma.
Commercial Airline Mechanics
Airline employees today can come into contact with asbestos, although parts on planes may be made with less than 1 percent asbestos. While this doesn't seem like much, any amount of asbestos exposure can be hazardous, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some incidences of mesothelioma cancer have been reported after a one-time exposure to asbestos. If an airline employee is routinely exposed to small amounts during a career, the risk of mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease rises.
Air Force Veterans
Members of the U.S. Air Force, especially from veterans who maintained planes, could have been exposed to asbestos in a number of ways. For example, repairing and replacing parts on planes was a major source of exposure for mechanics. Aircraft such as the C-130, SR-71, P-38, B-29 and others were known to contain asbestos parts.
In addition, military bases that housed both the aircraft and the mechanics often were constructed with asbestos materials. This is especially true for bases built before the 1980s. In those bases, everything from insulation to drywall to floor tiles were common products that contained asbestos. If an Air
Force mechanic served on an aircraft carrier, his chances of being exposed increased significantly because of the heavy use of asbestos on military ships.
The Air Force's Asbestos Management Plan, written in 2007, set up guidelines for identifying and removing asbestos from Air Force facilities. It also outlined how to protect members of the Air Force from coming into contact with airborne asbestos.
Resources for Aircraft Mechanics
Current and former aircraft mechanics may be at risk of developing mesothelioma or another type of asbestos-related disease. In order to ensure an early diagnosis, it is recommended to receive annual checkups to look for any signs of development. If you have already been diagnosed, feel free to fill out the form on this page to receive additional information about your condition. Veterans can receive free assistance and discuss their options by speaking with one of our Benefits Counselors.
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© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center |
Last Modified Thursday, February 9th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sponsored by a law firm concentrating in asbestos litigation, The Peterson Firm, LLP with offices at 1350 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington DC 20036.
