A veteran who worked on navy ships during World War 2 was "lucky to have lived such a long life" after being exposed to asbestos.
Plumbers liability insurance customers were told that Michael Martin, 83, from Pimlico, died in September this year from asbestosis, a chronic lung condition caused by prolonged exposure to the dangerous material.
Westminster coroner's court heard that Mr Martin had worked on navy ships during the war, which was where he was exposed to asbestos.
Recording a verdict of death by industrial disease, deputy Westminster coroner Dr Shirley Radcliffe said: "He had a long medical history but it seems the most problematic was the lung disease with shortness of breath. At 83, he was lucky to have lived such a long life."
Latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive show that up to 20 tradesmen die every week from asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma.