Mesothelioma and Aircraft Mechanics
Many parts of aircraft contained asbestos before the dangers of Mesothelioma were realized. Although these are gradually being replaced, aircraft mechanics and repairmen have come in contact with asbestos for many years, and are doing so even today. This means they have an increased risk of contracting Mesothelioma.
Aircraft mechanics and repairmen are responsible for repairing, overhauling, and testing the aircrafts. There are basically two different types of aircraft mechanics; namely Airframe and Power Plant Mechanics, and Aircraft Body Repairers. Each of these aircraft mechanics have their own particular duties relating to different parts of the aircraft.
When Do Aircraft Mechanics Get Exposed to Asbestos?
However, both would have come in contact with asbestos during the course of their work. The Airframe and Power Plant mechanics had to check the brakes of the aircraft, many of which contained asbestos, especially the brakes of older aircrafts. The Aircraft Body repairers were responsible for repairing, replacing, and rebuilding certain aircraft structures, some of which contained asbestos.Asbestos Exposure Leads to Mesothelioma
When aircraft mechanics were working on the brakes or other parts of the aircraft that contained asbestos, asbestos dust could be released into the air. When this happened, it put the aircraft mechanics and repairmen in danger of breathing the dust in. Once the asbestos reached the lungs it could lead to disorders such as Mesothelioma, which is a deadly cancer caused by asbestos attacking the lungs, stomach, or heart.
Aircraft Mechanics and Repairmen and Asbestos Today
Today, people are a lot more aware of the dangers of asbestos and the increased risk of Mesothelioma in those exposed to it. Thus, asbestos is no longer being used in new aircraft. However, there are still some older aircraft that may have asbestos-containing parts. This is why special precautions need to be taken when repairing these aircraft, so as to avoid the asbestos dust being released into the air and leading to health risks for the workers involved.
Aircraft mechanics and repairmen often used to work with asbestos-containing aircraft parts in the course of their daily duties. Although asbestos is no longer used in aircraft, some older aircraft may still have asbestos-containing parts. Special care should thus be taken in repairing these aircraft.
