A PENSIONER'S death was due to her breathing in asbestos while at work 50 years ago, an inquest heard.
Barbara Biginton, aged 69, of Witherston Way, Eltham, worked at factories in Deptford during the 1950s, Southwark Coroners’ Court heard on July 22.
While she was alive Mrs Biginton was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a form of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos.
She died at home on March 8 and a post-mortem examination revealed numerous tumors in her respiratory system.
Pathologist Dr Peter Jerreat said the cause of death was pericarditis, or inflammation of the sack around the heart, caused by malignant mesothelioma.
Coroner Selena Lynch said several factories in London had produced asbestos during the period when Mrs Biginton was working.
Giving a verdict of industrial death, the coroner said: “I’m quite satisfied the two things are likely to be connected.”
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