Man Dies After Asbestos Compensation Payout -- MesoLink.org -- 11-15-05

A man from West Cumbria who suffered asbestosis as the result of occupations exposure to asbestos was paid compensation of over one hundred thousand British pounds recently, but then died just days after being awarded the cash. The sixty-four year old man had been handling asbestos since the age of fifteen according to reports. He died as the result of mesothelioma – a cancer caused through asbestos exposure – in June of this year.

Mr. Cullen is said to have worked at a couple of places in his younger years, where he was exposed to asbestos dust and fibers, and where there were no regulations or information the dangers of asbestos at that time. Before his death, Mr. Cullen went on to describe how he and other workers used to make snowballs out of the asbestos and then throw them at one another.

The man was never warned of the dangers of asbestos exposure, nor was he or the other workers provided with any form or protective gear in which to work. In fact, Mr. Cullen described how workers would often use their hands to apply asbestos to various surfaces.

After being diagnosed with the cancer, Mr. Cullen started treatment but lost his life just a week after being awarded the compensation payout. His sister stated that he never did get the chance to enjoy the cash.