It is believed that Mr Newton was exposed to asbestos while removing an old boiler from the couple's property in Burton-on-Trent and while the incident took place 37 years ago, it was still enough to trigger the fatal respiratory condition.

His wife explained: 'It was 37 years ago, but I still remember all the white dust that came out with it. At the time, it was known that brown and blue asbestos were dangerous, but not white, so we assumed the dust was harmless.'

According to figures in the Daily Mail the number of people who die each year from mesothelioma has almost quadrupled in the past three decades.

Speaking to the newspaper, medical adviser to the British Lung Foundation Dr John Moore-Gillon said that many people mistakenly believe asbestos is no longer a danger as it was banned from use so long ago – but asbestos can still exist in older buildings, and be disturbed during renovations.

'What is worrying is that we barely have the resources to treat the condition, so if numbers continue to rise then there could be a huge strain in terms of treating everyone,' he warned.

While asbestos is a natural fibre it can be extremely harmful to people if inhaled and mesothelioma is almost always fatal. Those exposed to asbestos, which can be present in ceiling tiles, old boilers and insulation, are also vulnerable to certain cancers.

If you have developed an asbestos-related disease as a result of your work or other circumstances Alkers Solicitors can help you to claim the compensation you are entitled to. Visit http://www.alkers.net/ for more information.