A former worker of two large chocolate companies is seeking compensation after exposure to asbestos damaged his health.

Charles Parker worked at the companies for 30 years, between the years of 1969 and 1999. during the period between 1969 and 1971, he worked at Nestlé’s factory in Slough as an electrician. he then moved to work for Mars (also in Slough) where he continued to work from 1971 until 1999.

During both jobs, he claims he was exposed to asbestos dust regularly, as he worked with pipes lagged with the hazardous substance. this continued exposure has led to him being diagnosed with asbestosis, a serious lung disease which affects breathing and lung capacity. he already suffers from a 20% decrease in lung capacity, and this will continue to get worse with time.

Mr Parker also has pleural plaques in both lungs, and the exposure to asbestos means that he is at risk of developing deadly lung cancers such as mesothelioma. he first developed symptoms back in 1995 but due to poor medical advice was only diagnosed in last February.

Now it is being reported in the Bracknell Forest Standard, that mr Parker has issued a writ against the companies at the High Court. he is seeking £200,000 in asbestos compensation, claiming the companies were negligent in exposing him to such serious risk. he was never provided with basic protective equipment such as breathing apparatus.