Carnaud Metal Box Ltd

A suffer of an asbestos related lung cancer is calling for former colleagues from Hull firm, Carnaud Metal Box Ltd, to come forward and help with an investigation into reports of asbestos exposure at the firm.

Industrial illness experts at law firm Irwin Mitchell are investigating reports of asbestos at the firm on behalf of Beatrice Jenkinson (nee Ware), 79, from Hull. Mrs Jenkinson suffers from mesothelioma, a fatal asbestos related lung cancer. She worked at Carnaud Metal Box between 1948 and 1990. It is believed she came into contact with asbestos whilst working at the company's factory on Essex Street in Hull. 

Mrs Jenkinson is now urging former employees to come forward with any information about the working conditions. She said: "I would like anybody who could provide information about the working conditions at Carnaud Metal Box to come forward. I enjoyed my time working there and was part of the pensioners club after leaving. I am sure there are many of my old friends and colleagues out there who can help and provide information.

"I now have this fatal condition which greatly affects my quality of life and can no longer do activities I enjoyed. I used to be an avid bowls player and won many trophies, but since developing mesothelioma, sadly, I can no longer play as I find it difficult and painful."

Ian Toft, an industrial illness specialist from law firm Irwin Mitchell, said: "Mrs Jenkinson suffers from mesothelioma, an extremely aggressive form of lung cancer which causes great suffering to the victim and their families. It can take 20 to 40 years to develop after exposure to asbestos and it is believed that she came into contact with the deadly dust whilst working at Carnaud Metal Box.

"We would like to speak to anybody who worked at the factory between 1948 and 1990 as they may be able to offer information on the working.

"Over two thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year; Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. It does not respond well to treatment, and treatment options are limited. Employers have a duty to take precautions with asbestos. There is no safe type of asbestos, and no safe level of asbestos exposure."

Anyone who can help should call Ian Toft at Irwin Mitchell on 0370 1500 100 or email Ian.Toft@irwinmitchell.com.