Mesothelioma News

An inquest heard recently that a Hampshire, UK man worked with asbestos throughout his career, which likely played a role in his death in June.

According to the Southern Daily Echo, 87-year-old John Huxham, a grandfather, died at his home in Holbury this summer. Southampton Coroners' Court heard that the man had a history of working with asbestos-containing materials, including during his time at the Liverpool docks.

While the court was told that Huxham was likely suffering from malignant mesothelioma when he died, Southampton coroner Keith Wiseman recorded a verdict of death by natural causes, like contributed to by exposure to asbestos.

In addition to malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer that attacks the tissues surrounding many of the body's internal organs, exposure to asbestos has been linked to the development of lung cancer and asbestosis, a medical condition characterized by chest pain, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. According to the World Health Organization, asbestos-related illnesses kill approximately 107,000 people around the world each year.