Mesothelioma could have been caused by plumber husband's overalls

4:44pm Thursday 28th August 2008

Although she had never worked in an environment containing asbestos, 71-years-old Mary Anne Patricia Macken of 6, Connacht Way, Pembroke Dock, died from mesothelioma, an inquest recorded today (Thursday).

She may have picked up asbestos dust from washing her plumber husband's overalls years before, Pembrokeshire Coroner Michael Howells said before he recorded death from lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

Coroner's Officer Jeremy Davies said twice divorced Mrs Macken had worked in the Co-operative Store in Albion Square when she left school, returning later after having a family. She then opened her own business with tearooms near Pembroke Castle. Her first husband had worked for the Gas Board.

Her family were unaware that she had ever been exposed to asbestos, but a scan four years ago revealed cancer for which she received chemotherapy. She received the all clear but the cancer returned and she was told she had six months to live. After more chemotherapy in March she was told earlier this year that there was nothing more that could be done and she died at home on July 26th.

The Coroner said that in 99.9% of cases mesothelioma was caused by exposure to asbestos dust and plumbers worked with lagging and asbestos wool which may well have got onto her husband's overalls when the dangers were not so well understood.