Man killed by asbestos (From Gazette Series)

Man killed by asbestos

A MAN who worked with asbestos at a Gloucestershire factory in the 60s was killed by it almost 40 years later, a coroner ruled on Wednesday.

Gloucester coroner Alan Crickmore recorded a verdict of death by industrial disease on John Little, 59, of Kingswood Lodge, Wotton-under-Edge.

Mr Little's daughter, Stacey Ruston, said in a statement that her father worked for Fibrecrete Ltd of Stroud from 1961 to 1968.

His job entailed pulling out sheets of aggregate made from concrete and asbestos which were used to make pipes and gutters. When the material was dry it was his task to sand the edge and this led to huge amounts of asbestos dust, she said. "He said that at no time was he warned about the danger of asbestos exposure or provided with a protective mask or overalls," stated his daughter.

"Other men were employed to cut sheets with power tools but they were provided with masks."

After 1968 Mr Little worked in jobs which did not bring him into contact with asbestos except for once, when he was given a mask, she stated. In June last year he fell ill with a chest infection and breathing difficulties, the inquest heard.

He was diagnosed with mesothelioma - a cancer for which the only known cause is asbestos exposure - and because of his declining health he moved into the Kingswood Lodge Care Centre in December.

A medical report said that Mr Little was given a course of radiotherapy but had been misguided in thinking this would prolong his life by 10-15 years. In fact, he died on February 28 this year.

Pathologist Dr Nadir Hassann said he found clear evidence of a mesothelioma tumour in Mr Little's lung and chest cavity. Tests at a specialist laboratory in Sheffield found there were 520,189 fibres of mineral (asbestos) per gram of dry lung tissue.

The coroner said "I am satisfied he was exposed to asbestos during the course of his employment."