Aircraft Mechanics & Mesothelioma

Aircraft Mechanics & Asbestos Exposure Risks

Aircraft mechanics maintain and repair a wide variety of military, commercial, and private aircraft — including helicopters, airplanes, and jets — to keep passengers and pilots alike safe.

In the process, they may have been exposed to asbestos. This strong mineral, used for its fire and temperature-resistant qualities, is now known to cause cancer in humans.

As a result, many mechanics are just now being diagnosed even though they were exposed years ago. Unfortunately, asbestos-related diseases can be scary, confusing, and costly for aircraft mechanics and their loved ones.

By working with an asbestos law firm like Sokolove Law, compensation to pay for treatments and other expenses may be within reach.

Mesothelioma

Aircraft mechanics, particularly mechanics who served in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Navy, may be at an increased risk of mesothelioma due to occupational asbestos exposure.

Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma, which is an aggressive cancer that impacts the thin lining of organs such as the lungs, heart, and abdomen.

Symptoms of mesothelioma include:

• Chest pain
• Chronic cough
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting and nausea
• Weight loss

If you are experiencing these symptoms and believe you have been exposed to asbestos, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection of mesothelioma is crucial to improving mesothelioma life expectancy.

Lung Cancer

Tobacco smoke is not the only cause of lung cancer. Many people may not know that asbestos exposure may increase an aircraft mechanic’s risks of developing lung cancer.

Asbestos lung cancer is different than mesothelioma because the cancerous tumors develop inside the lungs rather than in the thin lining surrounding the lungs.

Lung cancer symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath

Even if you smoked cigarettes and were later diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer, you may still be eligible for compensation. Call (800) 647-3434 now to learn more.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a noncancerous chronic illness that affects the lungs. When aircraft mechanics worked closely with asbestos products in aircraft parts, they likely inhaled asbestos fibers.

These fibers remain in the lungs for years, causing irritation or other damage. This impacts the lung function and can lead to fluid build up in the lungs and other deadly symptoms.

Asbestosis symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Loss of appetite leading to weight loss
• Shortness of breath

While not cancerous, asbestosis can lead to even more harmful illnesses like mesothelioma and even heart failure.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately to work through diagnosis and potential treatment options.

A History of Asbestos in Aircraft

Throughout the 20th century, aircraft mechanics came into contact with asbestos in almost every part of an aircraft. Due to the high amount of asbestos-containing parts in aircraft at the time, mechanics were exposed nearly every day to the dangerous mineral.

Asbestos was favored for its fireproof and sound-reducing qualities, both of which were vital for military usage as well as commercial and private aircrafts. Asbestos was also very lightweight and a natural insulator due to its fibrous makeup.

Asbestos continued to be used by the government, military, and private sector through the 1980s. Eventually, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued widespread limits on asbestos due to its dangerous properties. However, thousands of mechanics had already been exposed.

Sadly, many companies that manufactured asbestos-containing products knew that their goods could cause serious health issues. These companies ignored the potential health risks, so they could make more money.

What Aircraft Parts Contained Asbestos?

While asbestos was used in many different aircraft parts, it was most often used in brake linings, pads, and shoes. Brakes were subject to high heat and friction, and asbestos helped prevent them from wearing out.

Asbestos particles — loosened by friction — would accumulate in aircraft brake housings. When the housings were opened, the particles would enter into the air. Research studies indicate mechanics who repaired brakes in aircraft faced a higher level of asbestos exposure.

Other aircraft parts that commonly used asbestos include:

• Clutches
• Electric systems
• Engines
• Gaskets, control valves, and grommets for engines
• Glue, adhesives, and other sealants
• Insulation for engine and exhaust systems
• Heat shields, heat blankets, and heating systems
• Hydraulic service lines

When these asbestos-based parts would deteriorate, they released small amounts of asbestos fibers. Aircraft mechanics were then exposed to these fibers as they removed the parts. Mechanics could also leave the worksite covered in asbestos dust.

By bringing the toxic dust home with them, they may have unknowingly exposed their loved ones to asbestos as well, which is known as secondhand asbestos exposure.

Aircraft Worker Roles at Risk of Mesothelioma

Aircraft mechanics were not the only ones put in danger from asbestos. Thousands of people who worked, designed, and maintained aircraft and their parts ran a risk of exposure.

Other people at risk from asbestos exposure due to aircraft parts include:

• Aerospace Engineers: These engineers were tasked with creating, designing, and maintaining aircraft. Engineers who worked directly on site could have been exposed to asbestos fibers or dust.
• Factory Workers: Those who worked on assembly lines or factories where aircraft parts were made were regularly exposed to asbestos-containing materials. None of them realized that asbestos could be deadly.
• Family Members: Family members of aircraft mechanics were at risk of secondhand asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers and dust could stick to the clothes, hair, and skin of aircraft mechanics. These fibers could become airborne when workers returned home.

Financial Help for Aircraft Mechanics and Their Families

Despite asbestos regulations and safety guidelines, aircraft mechanics today could still be at risk. Since symptoms may not develop until 20-50 years after exposure, a grim diagnosis could be around the corner for many.

Treatments for these illnesses may help extend the life of those affected. However, they can also be costly or even out of reach for many families.

Financial compensation may be available through:

• Mesothelioma lawsuits filed against the makers of asbestos-containing products you were exposed to
• Asbestos trust fund claims against bankrupt companies that manufactured or sold asbestos products
• VA benefits for veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases

This compensation can help pay for medical expenses and protect your family’s future.

At Sokolove Law, our mesothelioma lawyers can help you understand your legal options. With over 45 years of experience in the industry, you can trust our commitment to finding justice for mesothelioma patients.

Contact us today for a free legal case review to see if you may be eligible for compensation.