A FORMER engineer died of pneumonia, exacerbated by years of smoking and working in an industrial environment.

An inquest heard Ronald James Petrie, 78, of Brading, died on April 30 after he was hospitalised with breathing difficulties.

A post mortem showed he had small cell carcinoma, a form of lung cancer. A small amount of asbestos was found in his lungs.

IW Coroner Caroline Sumeray said: "Ultimately, he died as a result of pneumonia, but the presence of asbestos means I must conclude his death was a result of industrial disease."

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