Mesothelioma Articles

Died of Asbestos Related Illness

Posted: May 1, 2004

Source: Scunthorpe Telegraph

A Former engine mechanic died after developing mesothelioma, a rare cancerous tumour, an inquest has heard.

Gordon William Danson, of North Lincolnshire, was aged 71 when he died from the condition, at Scunthorpe General Hospital, the hearing on Thursday was told. And North Lincolnshire coroner Stewart Atkinson ruled his death, on November 19, last year, was due to 'industrial disease' related to inhaling asbestos particles.

Pathologist Dr Anthony Grech sent tissue samples of Mr Danson's lungs to Dr Allen Gibbs' lung disease research centre in Wales to examine.

In a letter read out at the inquest he said he found: "The mesothelioma was likely to have been caused by exposure to amosite asbestos."

North Lincolnshire Coroner Stewart Atkinson recorded a verdict of death by 'industrial disease'.

The dead man's older brother, Frank Danson, said Mr Danson was admitted to Scunthorpe General Hospital on September 22 for palliative care - care without cure - after a biopsy revealed he had a malignant form of mesothelioma.

Mr Danson told the inquest his brother started work at about 15 for GH Layne and Co, while he was living in Laceby.

He said: "He most probably came in to contact with it when he was working for GH Layne Co because he used compressed air to clean the brakedrums.

"He was never provided with a face mask."

And he added: "The dangers of working with asbestos were never realised as a health risk in those days."

After leaving the company Gordon Danson went to work for Sargents ice cream until he was aged 65.

Mr Atkinson said in some cases asbestos could occur naturally but he said: "It is more likely that he came into contact within his place of work.

He added: "The elevated level was much higher than you would expect if it occurred naturally."

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