School Headmaster Dies of Asbestos Exposure

October 31, 2006 - The widow of a British Roman Catholic school headmaster is trying to decide whether to sue the school for her husband’s death. 

Coroner David Osborne of Cumbria County recently recorded a verdict that John James White, who was known as Ian, died of an industrial disease on Christmas Day last year. He was 65 years old and had been the headmaster at St. Cuthbert’s Roman Catholic School from 1982 to 2001. 

His widow, Eileen White, told the News and Star that her late husband had voiced concerns about asbestos ceiling tiles and even asbestos dust blowing in the school yard at St. Cuthbert’s.  The concerns were echoed by other teachers at the school.  Mr. White had also participated in a number of maintenance tasks around the school during his years as headmaster, further exposing him to dangerous asbestos.

“Ian was a dedicated teacher, committed to the health and safety of his pupils and staff. He had checked if there was asbestos in the school and had been reassured by the local education authority that the school was safe,” said Mrs. White. “However the inquest verdict now calls that into question.”

Mrs. White’s lawyer, Neil Wilkinson, continues to be concerned about the safety of others in the area’s schools.

 “Sadly the number of school teachers diagnosed with the condition mesothelioma has increased over recent years. Asbestos was commonly used as fireproofing and as an insulation material in schools up until the mid 1970s and much of this material remains in place,” he noted. “If not properly maintained or disturbed then asbestos can be highly dangerous.”

The lawyer said that Mrs. White would make any legal decisions after they reviewed the coroner’s transcript in full.