A retired docker died from asbestos poisoning mor

A retired docker died from asbestos poisoning
more than 20 years after being in contact with the lethal dust,
Southwark Coroner’s Court was told on Wednesday.

A verdict of death from industrial desease was recorded
at the inquest on James Lawrence, 77, of Mill Pond Estate,
Rotherhithe.

During his working life as a docker on Surrey Docks and
Tilbury Docks Mr Lawrence breathed in asbestos dust and on
August 13 he died from a malignant mesothelioma, a tumour on
his right lung, it was said.

Daughter Sheila Arnell of Drummond Road, Rotherhithe,
told the inquest that he ‘bore his illness bravely.

‘
‘He was not the type of man to complain, not wanting to be
a worry to anyone.

‘In the months leading up to his death he had suffered from
terrible shortness of breath,’ she said.

Pathologist Dr Ian Quest said that asbestos contamination
often took 15 years or more to be fatal.

ENDS