POLISH war veteran Joseph Hajda died from a malignant tumour as the result of exposure to asbestos, an inquest decided.

During his time working at Burnley General Hospital as a maintenance man, that time he had returned home covered in white dust, believed to be asbestos, following work on the dismantling of fire doors, the court an inquest was told.

Mr Hajda of West Street, Colne, died in Pendleside Hospice, Reedley, on December 27, aged 75.

He was a fit and active man until last year when the cancer was diagnosed. After that he went downhill very quickly, said his widow, Mrs Frederica Hajda.

She said her husband was born in Poland and worked as a joiner. During the war he did was made to do forced labour in Germany and was made to join the German army. During the fighting in Italy he was able to joined the partisans and then joined the British Polish Army, fighting at the battle of Monte Casino. He came to Britain in 1946 and worked for a number of firms. Mrs Hajda said she came to England in 1950 and that they met at the Imperial Ballroom, Nelson.

Dr Zuhair Twaij said histology tests showed that the malignant tumour on the membrane of the lungs was caused by a significant exposure to asbestos which could have happened many years earlier. He said: "I have no doubt about it. It is not a natural cause of death.''

Recording a verdict that Mr Hajda died as a result of exposure to asbestos, East Lancashire coroner David Smith said the tests had been carried out at a lot of expense and trouble because asbestos exposure was a very important issue.

He suggested the family should consult a solicitor if they wanted to make a claim.

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