Controversy over worker's death

2:57pm Tuesday 3rd July 2001

THE family of a former Abbey Wood power station employee who suffered from asbestos exposure have been told he died after contracting pneumonia in hospital.

Relatives of John Callaway, 75, of Stanbrook Road, had believed his death was caused by contact with asbestos dust during his 40-year working life. But at Southwark Coroner's Court, pathologist Professor Sebastian Lucas said he had ruled this out as the cause of death.

Professor Lucas said a post-mortem examination had revealed no cancer tumour in Mr Callaway's lungs and no trace of asbestos in the airways, though some symptoms of asbestosis were found. He said he thought it possible the pneumonia was brought on by an infection contracted while Mr Callaway was being treated in St Thomas' Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, after complaining about shortness of breath.

Mr Callaway's son, also called John, said the family thought the cause of death might be from contact with asbestos but wondered whether some other condition was picked up in hospital.

Coroner Selena Lynch recorded death from natural causes. She said: “I am quite convinced this was not a case of death from an industrial disease.”

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