Halstead joiner died from lung disease caused by asbestos

Derek Reeve, 72, had worked as a joiner and was suffering from a form of lung disease called metastatic malignant mesothelioma before he died in August last year.

A post-mortem examination was carried out by pathologist Yinka Fashedemi.

A documentary inquest into Mr Reeve’s death was held at Essex Coroner’s Court in Chelmsford on Thursday.

Area coroner Michelle Brown told the inquest Mr Reeve lived with his wife in Sible Hedingham and was taken to St Helena’s Hospice in Colchester for palliative care on August 7 after his condition worsened.

She said: “He had previously medical history of metastatic malignant mesothelioma.

“He had suffered from low mood and acute deterioration over the past week.

“He was distressed due to shortness of breath and was a joiner his whole life until retirement and diagnosis 15 years ago.

“He believes his lung disease is attributable to asbestos exposure as a joiner.”

Construction companies were banned from using asbestos in 1999 but the material remains in place inside structures built prior to that.

Research from the Health and Safety Executive shows asbestos is the greatest cause of work-related deaths in Great Britain.

The inquest heard Mr Reeve, who died the day after he was admitted to the hospice, may have lived longer than other sufferers of metastatic malignant mesothelioma because of clinical trials he had undertaken with medical professionals.

Mrs Brown continued: “It’s quite a long time to survive with metastatic malignant mesothelioma, but he was attending hospital and had done for several years for clinical trials since 2009.

"Maybe that was a factor as to why he didn’t die as soon as he perhaps may have done without them.

“There is evidence from [his diagnosis] which links this disease to his employment.

“The family are aware this is being heard today and don’t wish to attend.”

Mrs Brown ruled Mr Reeve died as a result of an industrial disease.