Secretary at Iron Company Develops Mesothelioma

May 3, 2006 - A 68-year-old British woman who worked as a secretary at an iron company is wondering why she’s developed mesothelioma, an asbestos-caused cancer that’s usually confined to those who work directly with the toxic material.

Mrs. Margaret Colman, of County Durham (England), told solicitors that she believes she may have been exposed to asbestos dust during repairs to overhead pipes on the factory floor at the former Birtley Iron Company, in Birtley. She was employed with the company for 9 years – from 1953 until 1962 – and often went to the factory floor to take invoices to departments when she worked as secretary there, she told the Northern Echo News.

Lawyers for Mrs. Colman say it’s going to be difficult to prove liability in this case, especially given the length of time that has passed since her employment at Birtley.

“This is an unusual case because the woman is question was a secretary in an office rather than being on the shop floor,” said attorney Neil Wilkinson. “Mesothelioma is a devastating illness. It is vital that we get further information from her fellow workers at the Birtley Iron Company.”

“We'd also like to hear from anyone who worked at the Birtley premises at the time of Mrs. Colman's employment even if they did not know Mrs. Colman,” Wilkinson added.

Colman was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2006 and is currently undergoing treatment for the disease.