Asbestos News
UK WWII veteran dies of asbestos-related illness
A British World War II Navy veteran passed away from an asbestos-related illness caused by his occupational exposure to the naturally occurring substance.John Walsh died earlier this year of bronchial pneumonia, which the coroner ruled was exacerbated by Walsh's exposure to asbestos while working for a carpeting company, according to the Halifax Courier.
From 1959 to 1982 Walsh worked at John Crossley Carpets in Halifax where he reportedly was asked to move asbestos around without the aid of a protective mask.
"I’m satisfied that there is a causal relationship between his exposure to asbestos in the workplace while he was working at Crossley’s and his ability to fight his illness," coroner Roger Whittaker said. "That leads me to believe that he died from industrial disease."
Asbestos exposure was sadly common for many blue-collar workers in recent decades as the substance was widely used as a flame retardant and insulator. However, it has since been proven that asbestos causes malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
Walsh's family is reportedly seeking asbestos compensation from the insurance company for the now defunct carpet firm.
11/10/11
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