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Asbestos exposure from the overhaul of a Pratt & Whitney R2800 engine
1University of South Florida, College of Public Health, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC Box 56, Tampa, FL 33612, United States.
Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology : RTP
|August 8, 2012
Summary
Airplane mechanics may face asbestos exposure during engine overhauls. Testing found chrysotile asbestos in engine parts, with air samples indicating potential inhalation risks during disassembly and reassembly.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Aviation Maintenance
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Airplane piston engines often utilize asbestos-containing gaskets.
- These gaskets are integral to engine sealing and performance.
- Historical manufacturing practices persist in current maintenance procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify asbestos exposure levels for mechanics during aircraft piston engine overhaul.
- To identify the presence and type of asbestos in Pratt & Whitney R2800 radial engines.
- To assess the effectiveness of current tools and practices in controlling exposure.
Main Methods:
- Bulk sampling of engine components to identify asbestos presence.
- Air sampling during engine disassembly and reassembly phases.
- Analysis of air samples using phase contrast microscopy (PCM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Main Results:
- Chrysotile asbestos was detected in approximately 40% of bulk samples.
- Average airborne asbestos concentrations during disassembly were 0.0272 f/ml (PCM).
- Average airborne asbestos concentrations during reassembly were 0.0198 f/ml (PCM).
Conclusions:
- Mechanics performing overhaul work on these engines are exposed to airborne asbestos.
- Asbestos-containing gaskets remain a concern in aircraft piston engine maintenance.
- Further studies may be warranted for other similar engine types and maintenance scenarios.
