WORKING with asbestos more than 30 years ago contributed to the death of retired painter and decorator Henry Maher.

And coroner Michael Singleton questioned whether there was some other unseen killer at work at present which would have similar results years down the line.

An inquest heard that Mr Maher died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, although asbestos and smoking had been major factors in its development.

Mr Maher, 70, of Devonport Court, Blackburn, had been involved in removing asbestos lagging from pipes with a hammer when he worked for a company called Saunder Ltd more than 30 years earlier, according to his daughter Mrs Denise Rothwell.

Recording a verdict of death as a result of industrial disease, Mr Singleton said it was amazing how events of some 30 years earlier, which at the time were not thought to pose any risk or threat, should play a part in Mr Maher's death.

"It leads me to question what are we doing today, that in 10, 15 or 20 years we may live to regret," he said.