Aircraft Mechanics and Asbestos Exposure

If you or a loved one worked as an aircraft mechanic, you may have been exposed to asbestos. Prior to the 1980’s, many aircraft parts were manufactured using asbestos. Asbestos insulation, asbestos sealants and other asbestos-containing parts exposed aircraft mechanics to asbestos on the job. Unfortunately, asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer have occurred among aircraft mechanics who worked with these asbestos-containing parts.

Aircraft Mechanics and Asbestos Exposure | Free Consultations

Aircraft exposures occurred on both civilian and military aircraft. While aircraft mechanics worked, they may have been exposed to asbestos throughout the aircraft. Potential sources of asbestos exposure could be found in the brakes, cockpits, engines, propellers, tails, wings, fuselages and landing gear on the aircrafts. Aircraft mechanics may have also used asbestos-containing fireproofing equipment to protect them from hot machinery. This includes asbestos blankets and asbestos gloves.  Finally, aircraft mechanics may have been exposed to asbestos while working in hangers, airfields, and military craft carriers.

The following manufacturers supplied asbestos products to aircraft mechanics:

Brake and gasket work was a major source of exposure for aircraft mechanics. The brake work included drilling out rivets that attached the brake lining to the pads. Gasket work included removing old gaskets from hot areas of the airplane by using a putty knife and wire brush. These processes were very dusty, and aircraft mechanics would breathe in this asbestos dust.