Malcolm Biggs Died of Mesothelioma, A Cancer Caused By Exposure To Asbestos Dust

The family of a former research chemist is appealing to his ex-colleagues for information about how was exposed to the asbestos dust that caused his death.

Malcolm Biggs, who was brought up in Whitchurch, near Cardiff, instructed expert asbestos related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell after being diagnosed with mesothelioma in January 2016.

Following his death in September 2016, Malcolm is survived by his widow Ann, three adult children and three grandchildren.

Mesothelioma is a cancer affecting the lining of the lungs which is caused by exposure to degraded asbestos, often decades before the symptoms begin to appear.

The family and their legal team at Irwin Mitchell are now appealing to Malcom’s former colleagues at Monsanto, an agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology company near Newport, South Wales, to come forward with any information on the working conditions at the firm.

Of particular concern is to find out how Malcom was exposed to asbestos and to discover the extent of protection measures used by his employer.

Roger Maddocks, an expert asbestos related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, is representing Ann and her family.

Expert Opinion

Through our work we often see first hand the terrible consequences that asbestos exposure can have on so many lives, not just victims they had expected.

“Before his death, Malcolm told his legal team he believed he had come into contact with asbestos at Monsanto where he worked between 1958 and 1965. In particular, he recalled being exposed to dust when asbestos lagged pipework was regularly removed for cleaning; something which he said occurred several times in his seven years at the plant.

“If anyone has information which might help that they could share with us, it would be gratefully received.” Roger Maddocks - Partner

While at Monsanto, Malcolm remembered being in close proximity to colleagues who were removing the asbestos lagging around a 60ft section of pipe which had been dismantled for deep cleaning and which created a large amount of dust.

Malcolm began to feel ill in the summer of 2015, and after experiencing respiratory problems for a number of months, sought advice from his GP.

Following tests at Bishop Auckland Hospital in November and December 2015, Malcom was diagnosed with mesothelioma in January 2016.  After battling the illness for eight months, Malcolm passed way in September last year, aged 83.

Anyone who worked with Malcolm at Monsanto and can provide information should contact Michael McGowan on 0191 279 0104 or email Michael.mcgowan@irwinmitchell.com

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's work in dealing with incidents of asbestos related disease.