Woman dies from work-related illness caused by picking flowers and vegetables

A woman died from a work-related illness caused by picking daffodils and cabbages, an inquest has heard.

Rosa Perestrelo, 52, of Reawla Lane, Hayle, was exposed to breathing in irritants in her work picking vegetables and flowers, a respiratory consultant said.

At the inquest, Dr Benjamin Soar told the Truro inquest that Ms. Perestrelo started seasonal work in 1998 and continued to work in a “dusty environment” until 2016.

Dr Soar explained Ms. Perestrelo’s lung disease was “quite a rare condition, the vast majority, 90 per cent plus, are smoking-related.”

He said Ms. Perestrelo, who was a non-smoker, suffered a rare reaction to organic and non-organic compounds while picking cabbages.

She was treated for pulmonary TB but was not fit enough for a lung transplant, he said.

Ms. Perestrelo, originally from Madeira, died in August 2023 from end-stage lung pulmonary fibrosis.

The inquest heard her family describe her as “a very sociable person, who loved the outdoors and gardening, and was an excellent mother and grandmother”.

What is Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and fatal lung condition which mostly affects men and leaves the lungs scarred, which then causes severe breathing issues. This is because the scar tissue builds up in the lungs, therefore reducing their ability to transfer oxygen that is breathed into the blood.

There is no known cure, and the prognosis for those living with the condition is very poor, with an average survival of only 3–5 years from diagnosis. The condition appears to affect those who have been exposed to certain types of dust, chemicals and allergens.

More than 70,000 people in the UK are currently living with pulmonary fibrosis, and current data suggests that incidence levels are similar to that of more commonly known conditions, such as stomach, liver, testicular and cervical cancers.

Early diagnosis and treatments

As the average survival rate is only 3–5 years from diagnosis, it is crucial that patients are notified of their condition promptly, as anti-fibrotic medications, such as Nintedanib & Pirfenidone, are proven to significantly reduce the decline of lung function.

Early diagnosis is vital to ensure timely treatment, which could even include lung transplantation if the patient is diagnosed at a much earlier phase.

To date there has been no comprehensive or systematic review of international incidence and mortality of pulmonary fibrosis data. What we do know is that the prevalence of pulmonary fibrosis appears to be increasing, although it is uncertain whether this reflects increased awareness or a genuine rise in cases.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now being utilised, and it has already shown superiority over human interpretation of CT scans – which are often inconsistent and decidedly inaccurate. In a recent U.S study – in almost 30% of cases, AI software identified pulmonary fibrosis up to a staggering 6.8 years before a clinician’s diagnosis.

Meanwhile in the UK, at the time of writing, they have just begun their largest Government-funded pulmonary fibrosis trial in an effort to radically improve upon treatment times.

The research being undertaken is a 52-week, multi-location study involving 298 patients that is also evaluating the effect of commonly prescribed medications for those with IPF suffering with indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux.

Where can I get support if I have been diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Action For Pulmonary Fibrosis run support groups nationwide, providing emotional support, practical information and general signposting advice for patients, carers, families and friends.

These vital support groups can be accessed and directly contacted online, or by calling the Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis information line on 01733 839642.

Further reading

Respiratory disease claims – Oakwood Solicitors

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