Woman dies from asbestos-related disease 60 years after exposure

A woman from Shrewsbury died of a lung disease caused by asbestos, 60 years after working at a plumbing firm, a coroner has concluded.

Collette Jennifer Breeze, 76 worked in the office of her father’s plumbing business for one year when she was 16.

But she did not stay with the business, as Shropshire senior coroner John Ellery was told that she was a retired classroom assistant when she died on November 16, 2023.

Mr. Ellery, sitting at the Coroner’s Court, at Shirehall in Shrewsbury on Thursday, heard she had become ill and was found to have malignant mesothelioma.

She was placed into palliative care and died at home, the inquest was told. The coroner concluded that Mrs. Breeze died of an industrial disease.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of asbestos-related cancer affecting the pleura (lining of the lung) but can also be found in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneal) or the lining around the heart (pericardial).

Other types of asbestos-related cancers and illnesses are disorders of the lungs caused by exposure to and inhalation of asbestos fibres.

These conditions usually develop many years or decades after exposure to asbestos.

These conditions can also occur as a result of non–non-occupational, environmental exposure. Asbestos was extensively used in many building materials, and a large amount of asbestos still remains in buildings.

If the asbestos is disturbed to allow fragments to be released into the air, it can create a potential hazard to health.

What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is usually fatal, and symptoms will rapidly deteriorate after a diagnosis is made. Symptoms can include:

• shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
• chest pain
• cough and wheeze
• extreme tiredness
• unexplained weight loss
• abdominal pain and swelling (in the case of peritoneal mesothelioma).

How do you get Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is an incurable illness contracted by being exposed to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can cause serious, and sometimes life-threatening health implications.

Asbestos was used as a building material in the late 1900s as it was thought to be cost-effective, fire-resistant and easily mined. However, it was later found that exposure to the material can cause serious illness.

Asbestos becomes dangerous if it is disturbed, as the toxic fibres will enter the atmosphere. If the fibres are inhaled it can cause illnesses like mesothelioma.

Further reading

Mesothelioma – Oakwood Solicitors

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