Bishops Waltham man died as a result of asbestos exposure
A retired Bishops Waltham labourer died of an asbestos-related cancer, an inquest heard.
Reginald Smither, of Battery Hill, was routinely exposed to the substance during his 40-year career with a cluster of firms around Hampshire.
The court heard how the air was often thick with dust as he handled asbestos sheeting without a protective mask.
He developed cancer and died in September this year, aged 74.
Assistant Central Hampshire Coroner Simon Burge said that Mr Smither had suffered "significant exposure" to asbestos and recorded that his death was due to an industrial disease.
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