A former heating engineer was exposed to asbestos during his working life and later died from an industrial disease, an inquest has concluded.
Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard that John Lawrenson, 90, died in his Norwich home on 24 September last year.
He had been living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and had a history of smoking for around three decades. Medical evidence presented to the court showed he had also been diagnosed with asbestosis and pulmonary fibrosis in 2017, alongside other long-term respiratory conditions.
The court heard that Mr Lawrenson’s breathing difficulties had worsened to the point that he required specialist support. Medical records showed he was assessed by a respiratory nurse two days before his death, with adjustments made to his COPD treatment and arrangements for an oxygen concentrator.
Employment records from HM Revenue and Customs indicated he began working in 1950 and spent much of his career in roles connected to heating engineering. The inquest heard he had previously spoken about exposure to asbestos in the course of that work, and clinicians involved in his care had acknowledged that link.
A post-mortem examination identified fibrosing lung disease caused by asbestos exposure and COPD as the medical cause of death. Emphysema was also present, and asbestos fibres were found in his lungs.
Assistant coroner Robin Weyell said: “John was exposed to asbestos through various jobs as a heating engineer. I find that he had asbestos fibres in his lungs and the medical cause of death was fibrosing disease of the lungs, asbestos exposure and COPD.”
The coroner recorded a conclusion of death due to industrial disease.
