Man seeks compensation after asbestos exposure

A 73-year-old who was allegedly exposed to potentially fatal asbestos fibres at an incineration plant wants compensation, a newspaper has reported.

Electrician Arnold Cook suffers from a permanent cough and has a lung capacity of half of what it used to be, the Derby Telegraph notes.

Mr Cook said he was exposed to asbestos during his 24-year career at a Derby plant in Raynesway, which was run by Derbyshire County Council.

Speaking to the publication, he told of his task of cleaning the plant's dust collector.

"When you were in there you would lie down on your back to do the cleaning and you would have dust falling in your face," Mr Cook stated.

Furthermore, he revealed he could not wear his goggles because with the cloth mask he wore, his breath would make them steam up.

A council spokesperson said solicitors were looking into his claims.

The Health and Safety Executive asserts that inhaling asbestos fibres can lead to serious diseases which cause approximately 4,000 deaths annually.