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Aircraft Mechanics Asbestos Exposure

Use of Asbestos in the Aircraft Industry

Before 1980, Asbestos was widely used in the production of aircraft parts. While many aircrafts built with asbestos were decommissioned, aircraft components built before 1980 have been used in repairs and maintenance for newer models, making even modern aircrafts a risk for asbestos exposure. In an ideal world, an aircraft mechanic would have time to review a manifest of all of an aircraft’s components; however, this career is wrought with tight deadlines and fast-paced schedules that do not afford them the time to check for asbestos-containing materials.

If you worked as an aircraft mechanic and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another disease linked to asbestos, call (855) 575-6376 to schedule a free consultation with a mesothelioma attorney in New York.

Why Was Asbestos Used in Aircraft Manufacturing?

Asbestos was once hailed as a miracle material by various industries. However, despite finding its way into countless industries due to its various benefits, this mineral had harmful effects, leading to serious health issues down the road. 

In aircraft manufacturing, asbestos was an attractive choice for components such as brakes, engine insulation, and fireproofing materials. Understanding why asbestos was used in aircraft manufacturing offers important context for the risks faced by workers and military personnel who handled these materials, as well as for those exposed indirectly. Some of the reasons for the widespread use of asbestos in aircraft manufacturing include the following:

  • Heat Resistance: Asbestos was often used due to its ability to prevent overheating in brake systems and insulation on aircrafts.
  • Durability: Asbestos was popularly used on aircrafts due to its ability to withstand the intense mechanical stresses experienced during flights.
  • Fireproofing: Enhancing safety in areas prone to high temperatures, the fireproofing abilities of asbestos were highly useful on these aircrafts.
  • Cost: Asbestos was cheap, allowing companies to obtain large amounts of the mineral without spending too much.
  • Lightweight: Asbestos is lightweight, making it a great option for use on aircrafts at the time.

Despite these factors that were perceived as benefits for using asbestos in aircraft manufacturing at the time, the truth is that this harmful mineral is a known human carcinogen and has led to serious losses for those who were exposed. 

If you or a loved one work as an aircraft mechanic and have suffered due to exposure to the harmful mineral, you have the right to pursue justice by filing a personal injury claim. Attorney Joe WIlliams will help you build a strong claim as you aim to recover fair compensation for your claim.

How Aircraft Maintenance Practices Contributed to Asbestos Exposure

Aircraft maintenance is a demanding field that requires precision, skill, and the use of specialized materials to ensure safety and functionality. However, for decades, many maintenance practices unknowingly exposed workers to a harmful mineral known as asbestos. The substance was unknowingly causing serious health concerns for those who inhaled fibers that became disturbed or damaged. 

Some of the ways aircraft mechanic were exposed to asbestos include the following:

  • Brake Repairs: When aircraft mechanics had to work on replacing or sanding brake pads containing asbestos, they were likely unknowingly releasing fibers into the air. When asbestos fibers become airborne due to being disturbed or damaged, they can be inhaled by anyone in the general vicinity.
  • Insulation Replacement: When handling asbestos-based insulation in cockpits or wiring systems, aircraft mechanics were unknowingly exposing themselves to asbestos.
  • Emergency Repairs: When performing rushed work under tight deadlines, often without adequate safety gear or protocols, aircraft mechanics may have become exposed to asbestos due to the mineral being disturbed or damaged.

If you or a family member worked as an aircraft mechanic and has suffered exposure to asbestos as a result, our trusted asbestos exposure attorney, Joe Williams, can help. He will work with you to build a strong case that will allow you to pursue compensation for the medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses you may have suffered as a result.

What Are the Long-Term Health Risks for Aircraft Mechanics?

Due to the nature of work performed by aircraft mechanics, these workers have historically been exposed to various health hazards, including prolonged contact with asbestos-containing materials. 

Unfortunately, mechanics who worked with or around these materials often faced long-term exposure to asbestos fibers, which can lead to serious health conditions for years to come. The long-term health risks that aircraft mechanics may face after asbestos exposure include the following:

  • Mesothelioma
  • Asbestosis
  • Other cancers related to asbestos exposure

If you suffered due to exposure to asbestos, you may be left wondering what your options are as you face costly hospital bills and treatment plans. However, you should never have to pay for bills caused by asbestos exposure. That is why it is crucial you exercise your legal right to pursue justice and file a claim today. Contact Attorney Joe Williams to learn more about how he can help you secure the justice you are owed.

AIRPLANE COMPONENTS THAT COULD CONTAIN ASBESTOS

Both civilian and US Airforce mechanics may have been exposed to asbestos at some point in their careers. If you know for a fact that every craft you worked on was built after 1980 and all of its parts are new, then it is unlikely you were exposed to asbestos. Unfortunately, it is impossible to tell just from sight if a product was made using asbestos, and if you express any symptoms of exposure then you should consult with a medical professional immediately and then seek counsel from a skilled attorney.

Aircraft components that may contain asbestos include:

  • BRAKE PADS
  • COCKPIT HEATING SYSTEM
  • ELECTRICAL INSULATION
  • STRUCTURAL GLUE
  • ELECTRICAL WIRING
  • ASBESTOS BLANKETS

HAVE YOU BEEN EXPOSED TO ASBESTOS IN YOUR CAREER?

Joseph P. Williams is a highly skilled New York asbestos exposure lawyer. Speak with him to learn about your options for legal action after being diagnosed with an asbestos related disease. Only by pursuing these lawsuits and raising asbestos awareness can we remove this toxic substance from the U.S. for good.

WE OFFER FREE CONSULTATIONS. CALL (855) 575-6376 AND TELL US HOW ASBESTOS HAS AFFECTED YOU OR A LOVED ONE.

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