A woman’s daily routine might have led to her tragic death years later, as her family suspects she succumbed to asbestos-related cancer. Veronica Kidman passed away shortly after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer associated with asbestos exposure. Her family believes that she unknowingly inhaled asbestos fibers while washing the dust-laden work clothes of her late husband, Ian, who worked as a BT field engineer from 1971 to 1989.
Veronica, a former medical secretary, recounted how Ian would often return home covered in dust, prompting her to frequently scrub his clothes. The family speculates that the fibers brought home from his workplace led to her illness over three decades later. Ian’s job involved working in various locations fixing telephone and switchboard issues, potentially exposing him to asbestos-lagged pipes and resin.
After Veronica’s passing, her children, Becky Irwing and Gareth Kidman, are seeking information from individuals who worked alongside their father to shed light on the working conditions. Veronica was described as cheerful and active, enjoying Pilates, walks with her dogs, and participating in local activities before her health began to decline.
Veronica’s symptoms initially manifested as fatigue, leading to a diagnosis of mesothelioma after experiencing abdominal and back pain for a couple of years. Her family hopes that sharing her story will raise awareness on the dangers of asbestos exposure and encourage former colleagues to come forward with relevant information. They are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who worked at specific telephone exchanges during Ian’s employment.
An asbestos-related disease lawyer representing Veronica’s family emphasized the ongoing risks posed by asbestos exposure and the importance of holding employers accountable for ensuring workplace safety. The family is hopeful that insights from Ian’s former colleagues could provide crucial details on how Veronica was exposed to asbestos, providing closure for their loved ones.