Two men who had previously worked for the same company both recently passed away as a result of long-term exposure to asbestos. Bernard Benton and Martin Greenbeck had both worked for Grimsby-based Titans in the past, which was later rebranded as Tioxide – a factory that specialised in the manufacture of titanium dioxide pigments.
The coroner, Paul Kelly, confirmed that both men had died from the industrial disease known as mesothelioma, caused by the inhalation of toxic asbestos fibres.
An extremely harmful substance
The company had been well aware of the presence of asbestos during the time it employed both men, as it often lagged its pipes with asbestos.
Kimberly Bryars, Benton’s niece, stated to the inquest at Cleethorpes Town Hall that her uncle was offered compensation in relation to the asbestos exposure in 1980, but loved his job so much that he turned it down.
Mesothelioma and asbestosis are commonly known to cause severe health problems, which often only emerge many years after the initial exposure. Both men were elderly when they passed away, with Greenbeck dying at age 72 and Benton, 93.
Many buildings still contain asbestos
Although the use of asbestos in construction was banned in the UK in 1999, that doesn’t mean the substance doesn’t still exist inside the cavities of walls. Many public buildings, such as schools, factories and even the House of Commons, can contain asbestos.
Disturbing the substance can cause it to release toxic fibres into the air, which are incredibly difficult to spot. Inhaling these can cause long-lasting damage to the lungs, with potentially fatal consequences.
Make your home or business a safer place
Asbestos may not pose an immediate threat to those in its vicinity, but the longer-term diseases that it can cause to those exposed to it can kill. Mesothelioma is notoriously difficult to treat and often kills within just a year or two of diagnosis.
With Salvum’s asbestos surveying expertise, you can identify whether your own home or business has asbestos on the premises and remove it safely without disturbing any of the fibres.
For more information about how you can help to stop mesothelioma and other serious diseases from claiming the lives of those who use your buildings, please contact the Salvum team today.
