Widow fears killer disease 
Barbara Eason and hubby Michael were planning their ruby wedding anniversary and looking forward to a long and happy retirement together.
But their dreams were shattered when the 62 year old was diagnosed with deadly mesothelioma. He died just three months later.
The former mechanic, of Darnton Road, Ashton was exposed to asbestos while working in a power station and chemical company over a seven-year period in the 1960s and 70s.
He started with a troublesome cough in December 2004 and soon began having difficulty breathing. A biopsy was carried out and it was revealed to be mesothelioma — which is caused by previous exposure to asbestos in almost all cases.
Barbara, 63, spoke out to highlight a campaign by the Health and Safety Executive on the hidden killer.
She said: “Asbestos is still the most lethal workplace killer today. Young plumbers and electricians know it’s dangerous but just don’t believe they are personally at risk.
“Michael used to climb over the pipes which were lagged with asbestos. He also had to strip it away to carry out maintenance, but was never given a mask.”
Families of those who work with asbestos can also be infected if asbestos particles are brought home on clothes.
“I used to wash his work gear every week and could easily have inhaled the dust,” added Barbara.
“It’s a terrible disease. It took hold of him so fast. The pain was unbearable, he said it was like a rat gnawing at his chest. His weight plummeted. At the end he looked like a concentration camp victim. It may sound shocking but that’s the only way to describe it.
“He never smoked in his life and was quite health conscious. He used to have a glass of red wine a day because it was good for his heart. Little did we know of the hidden killer already inside him.”
Judith Hackitt, HSE chief, said: “Every week twenty tradesmen die simply because they have breathed in asbestos fibres during the course of their work.
“The problem today is that we associate it with a problem that’s been and gone because asbestos is now banned. The younger generation entering the workforce may think this does not apply to them, but it does.”
This article was originally published at tamesideadvertiser by Adam Derbyshire on February 20, 2008
