AN elderly man died from the effects of working with chemicals for more than 50 years.

Industrial chemist Wilfred Rollason had been suffering from mesothelioma of the pleura when he died in Pershore Cottage Hospital on Saturday, June 29.

Worcestershire coroner Victor Round told a County Hall inquest, yesterday, that Mr Rollason's condition was more commonly known as cancer of the lung lining.

"It's well-known to come on much later in life after exposure," he said. "We're looking at war- time exposure. Once it develops, it's very rapid."

The 86-year-old, of Park Wood, Elmley Castle, near Pershore, handled blue asbestos during his work.

His cause of death was said to be cardio-respiratory failure due to malignant mesothelioma of the pleura, due to asbestos exposure.

There was also evidence of a tumour around the heart.

Mr Round said that 90 per cent of deaths due to this kind of tumour were down to asbestos exposure.

"In a working environment all those years ago, when the danger wasn't understood, no precautions were taken," said Mr Round.

"We don't know how long ago the exposure might have been."

He recorded a verdict of death from industrial disease.