Inquest hears that asbestos caused Navy man’s cancer
Published on Friday 23 December 2011 13:00
A FORMER naval mechanic died of cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
Ronald Carter, 81, of Vine Court, Billingborough, was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in June this year and died on October 4.
An inquest at Stamford Town Hall on Tuesday heard Mr Carter was exposed to asbestos while working as a boiler stoker and mechanic in the engine room of HMS Abercrombie.
Coroner Gordon Ryall read out a statement prepared by Mr Carter in September for a personal injury claim which said all the pipes in the ship were lagged with asbestos.
The pipes also ran through the sleeping quarters so it was almost unavoidable they would be knocked or damaged due to the confined nature of the ship. This would have released asbestos fibres into the air.
After leaving the Navy Mr Carter worked for Standard Telephones and Cables and BAE Systems testing radio equipment.
The inquest heard some of the equipment he tested contained non-conductive material which could have been asbestos.
Mr Ryall recorded a narrative verdict.
He said: “Mr Carter was exposed to asbestos. He died from the industrial disease of malignant mesothelioma.
“The exposure during his time in the Navy was very common. At the time it wasn’t appreciated what a dangerous material it was. It is a nasty condition with an unpleasant last few months.”
Speaking after the inquest, Mr Carter’s daughter Lynne, of Swinderby, near Lincoln, said more information about the dangers of asbestos exposure should be available.
She said: “I am glad I found out the cause.
“He was a fit man and there was no indication he was ill. But once it is diagnosed there is nothing you can do. People should know about it.”
Mrs Carter praised the Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team which supported her and her father throughout his illness.
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Article source: http://www.bournelocal.co.uk/inquest_hears_that_asbestos_caused_navy_man_s_cancer_1_3362023