The day the music maker died
Malcolm McLaren dies from asbestos
related illness mesothelioma
14 I 04 I 10
It was sad to
hear of the death of Malcolm McLaren aged only 64. I was just a
teenager when punk music burst onto the scene and changed music for
ever! I was really surprised to learn that he had died of
mesothelioma which is a rare cancer invariably caused by exposure
to asbestos.
It seems that his only
exposure to asbestos was from Sex, his punk design shop in King's
Road, particularly from when, over 30 years ago, he shattered the
ceiling which contained asbestos boarding.
Sadly unlike asbestosis or asbestos related
lung
cancer, mesothelioma can be caused by a
small amount of exposure to asbestos and "construction" work
in Sex may well have been enough to lead to Malcolm
McLaren's illness over 3 decades later. A great many
people are at risk of the illness without appreciating that
they may have worked with asbestos, varying from plumbers and
electricians even to teachers when maintenance work disturbs
asbestos contained in the building!
It seems that
initially he may have been initially diagnosed with pleural plaques
which would confirm that he had indeed been exposed
to asbestos but according to medical experts pleural plaques
would not themselves have led to his final illness. (As a
result of the decision of the House of Lords in 2007 compensation
is no longer payable in cases of pleural plaques despite the
considerable anxiety that the diagnosis can cause. Details are
awaited of a limited government scheme for people who made a claim
before 2007).
Mesothelioma can be difficult to
diagnose and it is not always diagnosed immediately. Hugh James
represents a number of families where the diagnosis was not made
until after their loved one has died. The reason for this is that
the symptoms are not unique to mesothelioma.
Symptoms may include
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, hoarseness and
difficulty swallowing. They can also include pain in the chest,
upper abdomen shoulder or arm. If you are concerned it is important
to tell your doctor that you may have been exposed in the past. The
Macmillan website is very helpful in providing lots more
information about how mesothelioma can be identified.
Malcolm McLaren would
appear to have been exposed to asbestos when self-employed and
where it would be difficult to claim compensation. However it is
important to note that in such circumstances a claim can be made
for a lump sum payment from the Department for Work and Pensions
under the 2008 Mesothelioma Scheme.
Sadly Malcolm McLaren
will not be the last person to be diagnosed with mesothelioma as a
result of asbestos exposure but not many will have had quite the
same impact upon rockn’roll!
If you have any concerns about Mesothelioma or would like to
find out more, email asbestos@hughjames.com