Asbestos blamed for supervisor's death

Aug 3 2007 By Ross Mccarthy, Birmingham Mail

A FACTORY supervisor died from a tumour caused by "graphic" exposure to asbestos dust, an inquest in Birmingham heard.

Yvonne Phillips, 52, of Poole Crescent, Harborne, who was exposed to the deadly material 20 years ago, died in a hospice in January this year.

Assistant deputy coroner Michael Snell said: "I have seen a very detailed statement which was prepared by Mrs Phillips.

"It is quite clear she was employed at one stage for a period in a place where asbestos may have been in the atmosphere."

He recorded a verdict that the woman died from an industrial disease. Pathologist Simon Trotter said Mrs Phillips had developed a large tumour to the right side of her chest which was linked to asbestos exposure.

He said: "It is very clear from the reports that Mrs Phillips was exposed quite graphically to asbestos dust."

The pathologist said the cause of Mrs Phillips' death was mesothelioma due to occupational asbestos exposure.

After the hearing solicitor Selina Chester said Mrs Phillips had worked for a company called AP Pressings based in Leamington Spa. She said a claim was being made for compensation.