Asbestos Exposure of Aircraft Mechanics
Before the 1980s, asbestos was widely l used in the manufacturing of various aircraft parts. This widespread use of asbestos in the aviation industry meant that aircraft mechanics, both in civilian and military contexts, were often exposed to asbestos while performing their duties.
Common Asbestos-Containing Components in Aircraft
Aircraft mechanics encountered asbestos in multiple parts of an airplane, including insulation, sealants, and other components. Specific areas where asbestos was commonly found include:
- Brakes: Asbestos was used in the brake linings due to its heat-resistant properties.
- Engines and Propellers: Mechanics working on engines and propellers might have come into contact with asbestos-containing materials.
- Cockpits, Wings, Fuselages, and Landing Gear: These aircraft sections often contained asbestos components.
- Protective Equipment: Mechanics used fireproofing gear like asbestos blankets and gloves for protection against heat from machinery.
Exposure in Various Work Environments
In addition to direct contact with asbestos-containing parts, mechanics could be exposed to asbestos while working in hangars, airfields, and on military craft carriers. These environments potentially contained asbestos materials, increasing the risk of exposure.
Manufacturers of Asbestos Products for Aircrafts
Several manufacturers supplied asbestos-containing products to the aviation industry, including:
- Allied Signal
- American Cyanamid Company
- Bendix Brakes
- Boeing Company
- Cleveland Wheel & Brakes
- Fairchild Republic Company
- General Dynamics Corporation
- Goodyear Aerospace Corporation
- Grumman Aerospace Corporation
- Honeywell Corporation/Bendix Corporation
- Johns-Manville
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- Metalclad Insulation Corporation
- National Gypsum Company
- Uniroyal Holding, Inc.
High-Risk Maintenance Activities
Activities such as brake and gasket maintenance were particularly hazardous. These tasks involved drilling out rivets from brake linings and removing old gaskets with tools like putty knives and wire brushes. Such processes were dusty, causing mechanics to inhale asbestos fibers, which posed significant health risks.
This historical use of asbestos in aircraft maintenance highlights the serious risk of asbestos exposure faced by aircraft mechanics. This exposure has unfortunately led to the development of asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer, among these professionals. Understanding these risks is crucial for recognizing potential health issues related to past asbestos exposure in the aviation industry.