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Pimlico postie dies after asbestos exposure
A retired Pimlico postman died after exposure to deadly asbestos fibres, an inquest heard today.
Michael Martin, 83, who lived in Shelley House on the Churchill Gardens Estate, in Churchill Gardens Road, is believed to have breathed in the fibres while working on navy ships during the Second World War.
Westminster Coroner's Court heard today that Mr Martin had a history of several medical problems including emphysema, hypertension, renal failure and had previously had a stroke.
After working on the navy ships, he became a postman, working at a Westminster sorting office for several years.
In 2008, he was diagnosed with asbestosis, a chronic lung condition caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos.
On September 23 this year, he was taken to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, in Fulham Road, Chelsea, suffering from breathlessness and anaemia.
Despite doctors doing all they could to help him, Mr Martin died on September 30 leaving behind his wife Rosamund, and daughters Angela and Caroline.
A post mortem examination, carried out by Dr Peter Wilkins, confirmed Mr Martin had been exposed to asbestos earlier in his life.
Deputy Westminster coroner Dr Shirley Radcliffe said: "Mr Martin had a previous history of working on navy ships where he would no doubt have been exposed to asbestos.
"He had a long medical history but it seems the most problematic was the lung disease with shortness of breath.
"At 83, he was lucky to have lived such a long life."
Dr Radcliffe recorded a verdict of death by industrial-related disease.
* Did you know Mr Martin? If you would like to share any memories of him, please email reporter julieteysenck@trinitysouth.co.uk
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