A Dublin man who was exposed to asbestos dust at work during his 20s died almost 50 years later from an asbestos-related illness, an inquest heard yesterday.
Samuel Fitzhenry (71), of Casement Grove, Finglas, died on November 14th, 2006, at St Francis's Hospice, Raheny, having been diagnosed with lung cancer in March of the same year, Dublin City Coroner's Court heard.
An expert in asbestos-related illnesses, Dr Louise Burke of Cork University Hospital, examined specimens of lung tissue, and discovered Mr Fitzhenry had "numerous asbestos bodies in his lungs".
The court heard that Mr Fitzhenry worked as an insulator, which involved lagging pipes, and was exposed to asbestos dust in his 20s.
One of his places of employment included Belfast-based company Newell's Insulations, where he worked for approximately 10 years.
His wife, Marie Fitzhenry, told the inquest that her husband had spoken of asbestos exposure to her.
She said he and his work colleagues would throw balls of asbestos at each other "like snowballs".
She said her husband had been a fit, healthy man up to 10 years before his death, but that in the last four years of his life he had to use a stair-lift and had to be lifted out of the bath.
Mr Fitzhenry attended Dr Conor Burke at the respiratory unit in James Connolly Hospital with chronic lung disease for 10 years before his death, and was diagnosed with asbestosis while he was a patient there.
He was also diagnosed with lung cancer in April 2006, for which he was successfully treated, and there was no cancer present at the time of death.
Dr Burke said Mr Fitzhenry required intensive treatment for many years, and prior to his death his lung function was just 26 per cent of normal function.
He had no doubt that Mr Fitzhenry's lung disease was related to asbestos exposure, according to medical reports read out in court.
Mr Fitzhenry died from pneumonia and respiratory failure due to asbestosis in his lungs.
Coroner Dr Brian Farrell said Mr Fitzhenry was a smoker and also suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, occupational exposure to asbestos with pulmonary asbestosis was the "most significant factor in his death".
He recorded a verdict in accordance with the evidence.