A RETIRED scaffolder died at home in Cheshunt from mesothelioma after he was exposed to asbestos dust some 50 years ago, the Hertfordshire coroner said today (Tuesday August 14).
Brendan Swaine, of Wood Green Way, died on July 7 after being diagnosed with mesothelioma last year after developing a persistent cough and losing weight. He underwent chemotherapy after he was diagnosed.
The 66-year-old began working as a scaffolder in 1963 and his job involved working with pipes and boards that were covered in dust and debris. He worked in close proximity to laggers who were spraying asbestos foam onto the steel frames of buildings.
After a stint owning his own mini-cab firm, Mr Swaine returned to scaffolding, before retiring in November 2010.
Coroner Edward Thomas recorded a verdict that Mr Swaine had died of industrial disease, adding: “He suffered substantial exposure to asbestos which was the cause of his mesothelioma, the symptoms of which started to develop some 50 years from his first exposure.”
Via: hertfordshiremercury.co.uk
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