Man had asbestos disease
6:44pm Monday 7th April 2008
AN 85-year-old man who was exposed to asbestos when he worked in a shipyard has died.
An inquest opening heard that Walter Edward Davies, a retired engineer, of Cambridge Close, Hapton, was admitted to Royal Blackburn Hospital on March 30 because he was feeling unwell.
An X-ray revealed he was suffering from asbestosis, or chronic inflammation lung tissue caused as a result of long-term, heavy exposure to asbestos. He died in hospital a day later.
Mr Davies, who was born in Barrow-in-Furness, had been exposed to asbestos during his employment at a shipyards in the town, the hearing was told.
A post mortem examination has been carried out but further tests are required. The inquest was adjourned until September.