A HAMPSHIRE man’s long-term exposure to asbestos did not cause his death, a coroner ruled.

George McLachlan, 78, came into contact with a “significant” quantity of potentially-lethal airborne particles during 25 years of service with building firm Brazier.

But Southampton Coroners’ Court heard that despite many health problems being attributed to the impact of that exposure, post-mortem examinations revealed he died as a result of heart disease.

Recording a verdict of death by natural causes, Coroner Keith Wiseman said there was “no doubt” Mr McLachlan, of Holmsley Close, Southampton, had suffered through inhaling asbestos, but ruled it had not caused his death on December 21 last year.