March 30th, 2005

The deadly effects of prolonged and high level asbestos exposure have claimed another victim. A 63-year-old man, Melvin Raymond, from Newbury in the UK, died earlier this year after spending years working in a job that involved cutting sheets of asbestos. An inquest was informed that Mr Raymond used to cut the asbestos sheets like planks of wood.

It transpired that Mr Raymond used to cut the asbestos at Vickers Armstrong, Hedges Joinery and Stradlings in Newbury, and used to have no protection when undertaking this task. Like many other workers of the day, it seems that he was totally unaware of the dangers posed by asbestos exposure, and was not aware that by doing his job without the necessary protection and training he had signed his own death warrant.

Born in 1941, Mr Raymond passed away in February this year. The cancer was only diagnosed last year, following the discovery of fluid in his lungs by doctors. A number of tests and biopsies revealed the presence of a malignant tumor later last year. Just a few months later, Mr Raymond lost his battle against the cancer and passed away.

The coroner is reported to have stated to the family of the deceased: This is an all too sad and familiar set of circumstances. It's a truly horrible disease, and I'm so sorry it had to happen to a member of your family."