An Angus grandfather is dying from cancer he believes was caused by asbestos dust getting into his lunchtime sandwiches.
Trevor Jones has developed peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the stomach, and it is feared he may have got it by eating meals and snacks contaminated by the lethal substance.
The 66-year-old former engineer from Brechin worked in communications alongside cable layers who regularly drilled through walls lined with asbestos.
His lawyers are now investigating whether microscopic fibres from the drilling found their way into his food.
The grandad-of-five was diagnosed with the lethal cancer in December after taking a routine bowel screening test.
He said: “I was stunned when doctors told me I had mesothelioma.
“I would sit in my work clothes eating sandwiches at my desk or in the canteen.
“If any asbestos fell on your clothes, you brushed it off casually with your hands, not knowing the danger.
“We were never warned that we worked in an area with asbestos. I certainly never thought this cancerous substance could be swallowed and cause cancer.
“I have it and I know it will kill me. It will be painful but I hope drugs will control that.”
Deaths from asbestos-related diseases are predicted to reach at least 200,000.
Tragically, many of the victims will not be aware they are at risk until it is too late. In the majority of mesothelioma cases, the victims’ lungs are affected.
But Trevor has the peritoneal form of the disease, which affects only 10% of sufferers. His solicitor, Stephen Irvine, from Morisons Solicitors, said: “We have dealt with a number of these cases and the possibility of fibres getting into lunch boxes is one aspect we are looking at.
“In Trevor’s case, we are doing everything we can to help him and his family.”
Surgeon Francesco Polignano, from Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, said: “Patients can contract it through eating asbestos in their food.”
Trevor, who has three grown-up daughters, was diagnosed just a month after he was made redundant.
“I could have as little as three years to live,” Trevor admitted. “My mum and daughters are devastated but I have to make the most of what time I have left.
“I’ve saved hard over the years and plan to tour a bit of the country while I am still able.
“I’ll continue to babysit and go out and about in my Jaguar XJ8.”