Aircraft mechanics for military and commercial planes were exposed to airborne asbestos fibers while working with a variety of products installed in aircraft, including asbestos brake pads and heat shields, and products used to protect workers such as asbestos gloves.
Written by Michelle Whitmer | Legally Reviewed by Yvonne Waterman | Edited by Walter Pacheco | Last Update: February 12, 2026
"My primary support since being diagnosed with Mesothelioma, ...." see more
Mary L. - Mesothelioma Patient
"I found out about The Mesothelioma Center while researching ...." see more
Karen F. - Mesothelioma Patient
"I just want to take this time to thank Mesothelioma Center f...." see more
Richard D. - Mesothelioma Patient
"My brother was recently diagnosed with mesothelioma. I began...." see more
Cindy W. - Sister of a Mesothelioma Patient
"My father was recently diagnosed with mesothelioma. We, as a...." see more
Cindy R. - Daughter of a Mesothelioma Patient
Known within their trade as aircraft maintenance technicians, these mechanics are responsible for grassroots upkeep and safety of U.S. commercial, military and private planes. Commercial and U.S. military aircraft mechanics’ exposure to asbestos was usually the result of direct handling of components during routine repair. Asbestos was used in several parts for its heat and friction resistance.
Repairing brakes gave mechanics the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos, because prior to the 1970s, these brakes were manufactured with asbestos. The replacement of brake pads consists of constant manipulation and tugging back and forth, which most likely exposed workers to airborne asbestos fibers. The collection of fibers, over time, can lead to asbestos-related illnesses.
Because of the heat generated by the engines, mechanics would protect the engine and the test stand with asbestos blankets, which can pose a hazard when they are damaged over time or the fibers are burned off by extreme heat. They also would handle asbestos-containing gaskets in engines and other parts of the aircraft, furthering their exposure.
Other occupations at risk of asbestos-related cancer included those who installed insulation around engines and electrical components. If a part on an aircraft was at risk of catching fire, it was likely insulated with some form of asbestos material. When mechanics cut, sawed, sanded or removed any of these aircraft parts, not only were they exposed to the asbestos in these parts, but also to the asbestos in the adhesives and epoxies holding them together.
A 2009 study in Georgia on airborne asbestos exposure occurring during light aircraft brake replacement did not show alarming levels of asbestos fibers, indicating that repair jobs that were once dangerous to aircraft mechanics because of asbestos exposure do not pose such a threat today.
Find out if you’re eligible for compensation with help from the nation’s most trusted mesothelioma resource.
Get Your Free GuideAsbestos was used all throughout aircrafts, including the engine, cockpit, brake systems and components that held the aircraft together.
If materials containing asbestos are disturbed, toxic fibers can be released into the air. The fibers can then become inhaled or ingested into the body, causing inflammation or scarring over time. This may eventually lead to mesothelioma decades after the initial asbestos exposure.
Several companies made asbestos parts for aircraft in the U.S. until the 1970s and 1980s. These companies are still in business but no longer make asbestos products to avoid liability and litigation.
In September 2019, the Federal Aviation Administration released guidelines on the management of asbestos at air traffic organization facilities where old asbestos materials may still be in place. Currently, risk of asbestos exposure is not a major concern for aircraft mechanics working on newer planes. Anyone working on older planes with old parts should take precaution and use personal safety equipment.
Daniel McCarthy
Aircraft mechanic diagnosed with plural mesothelioma is staying busy
Daniel McCarthy believes staying active is the key to survival during his mesothelioma journey. The former aircraft mechanic and pilot says, “I’m up to my neck in busyness.” Daniel says he plans on flying in the cockpit of a Boeing 737 as often as possible. “I really think that can help a mesothelioma patient survive. Staying busy helps you stay healthy,” he said.
Daniel McCarthy
Aircraft mechanics have developed mesothelioma cancer and other asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and asbestosis, as a result of asbestos exposure. According to a 2022 report by the European Commission, over 70,000 workers died in 2019 from past exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma is a relatively rare cancer that is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. If you believe you were exposed to asbestos working as an aircraft mechanic, it is important to monitor your health for signs of lung or digestive problems. If you develop symptoms such as difficulty breathing or abdominal bloating, seek the advice of a specialist and request an asbestos cancer screening.
Diagnosing and treating asbestos-related diseases early improves chances of long-term survival. It is important to find a doctor specializing in your diagnosis to access the best possible care.
Our Patient Advocates have more than 50 years of combined experience helping mesothelioma patients.
Chat NowAircraft workers have successfully sued manufacturers of asbestos aircraft products that caused them to develop mesothelioma and other diseases. Most of these lawsuits go unreported in the news, but they continue to be filed today.
Manufacturers of asbestos aircraft parts, including Johns Manville, tried to hide their knowledge of the dangers of asbestos from workers and consumers. Mesothelioma lawsuits uncovered internal company documents revealing that these companies knew of the health risks of asbestos and chose to use it anyway.
If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease you may be eligible for compensation. A mesothelioma lawyer has the expertise to review your case and guide you on the types of claims you may qualify to file, including asbestos trust fund claims, personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death lawsuits.
Recommended ReadingStay up-to-date on treatment, research, clinical trials, doctors and survivors
The information on this website is proprietary and protected. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any unauthorized or illegal use, copying or dissemination will be prosecuted. Please read our privacy policy and terms of service for more information about our website.
This website and its content may be deemed attorney advertising. Prior results do not predict a similar outcome.
The Mesothelioma Center’s claim as the most trusted resource is based on our more than 150 5-star Google and BBB reviews. Our organization also helps more than half of all mesothelioma patients annually diagnosed.
Your web browser is no longer supported by Microsoft. Update your browser for more security, speed and compatibility.
If you are looking for mesothelioma support, please contact our Patient Advocates at (855) 404-4592
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Whitmer, M. (2026, February 12). Aircraft Mechanics and Asbestos. Asbestos.com. Retrieved February 17, 2026, from https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/aircraft-mechanics/
Whitmer, Michelle. "Aircraft Mechanics and Asbestos." Asbestos.com, 12 Feb 2026, https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/aircraft-mechanics/.
Whitmer, Michelle. "Aircraft Mechanics and Asbestos." Asbestos.com. Last modified February 12, 2026. https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/aircraft-mechanics/.
A mesothelioma lawyer who specializes in asbestos litigation reviewed the content on this page to ensure it is legally accurate.
Yvonne Waterman, Ph.D., is the founder of the European Asbestos Forum and a specialist in asbestos litigation. Waterman has worked to build a global network of professionals fighting for a future without asbestos exposure and disease.
Our fact-checking process begins with a thorough review of all sources to ensure they are high quality. Then we cross-check the facts with original medical or scientific reports published by those sources, or we validate the facts with reputable news organizations, medical and scientific experts and other health experts. Each page includes all sources for full transparency.
Please read our editorial guidelines to learn more about our content creation and review process.
