From 1931 to 1987, Fairchild Republic Co. manufactured aircraft and aircraft parts in East Farmingdale, Long Island, New York. Examples of Fairchild Republic planes include, but are not limited to, the F-84, the P-47 Thunderbolt, and the A-10 Warthog.

Many aircraft components contained asbestos, including engine insulation, electrical wiring, brakes, cockpit heating systems, engine heat shields, torque valves, gaskets, and cargo bay insulation.

Employees were also exposed to asbestos while maintaining the facility itself. Manufacturing bay areas were heated by steam blast heaters, powered by steam generated by boilers. The components of the heating systems (i.e., pipes, pumps, and valves) contained asbestos gaskets and packing inside. The high heat of these systems was cause for much removal and replacement of asbestos parts, causing dust and a widespread risk of asbestos exposure to all workers in the manufacturing bay areas.

Additional exposure to asbestos at Fairchild Republic came from the building materials used in construction of the facility. Many workers were exposed to asbestos dust due to regular maintenance and repairs of the facility through the flooring, roofing, wallboard, spackling, and spray-on insulation.

It is important to secure legal representation as soon as possible after a diagnosis of mesothelioma or lung cancer. If you or a loved one were once employed at Fairchild Republic and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, please contact Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC regarding your legal rights.