Following his death from lung cancer last week, it has been suggested that the cause of Malcolm McLaren’s illness was his contact with asbestos whilst working in the shop he shared with Vivienne Westwood in the 70s.
McLaren was known by many for setting up his ‘Sex’ boutique on the Kings Road, with then partner Vivienne Westwood, where their punk inspired clothing, including fetish and bondage wear, was an instant hit with British youth.
But McLaren’s partner Young Kim has implied that some renovations he carried out on the shop and the time that he spent there, lead to him being diagnosed with lung cancer.
He decided he wanted the roof to look as though a bomb had hit it and so ripped through some of the ceiling to give this effect. In doing so the asbestos which had previously been unseen became damaged and exposed, which is when it can cause illness. In subsequent years McLaren spent much of his time in the shop, which of course meant he was exposed to asbestos.
Lung Cancer is a common type of cancer linked to those who have been exposed to asbestos over a period of time. It makes breathing difficult as it develops in the tissue around the lungs and so decreased breathing capacity.
Years after his time in the shop McLaren became sure that he had developed cancer, but his concerns were apparently brushed off, and the spots on his lungs were dismissed as benign. It was only last year, when his lungs filled with fluid, that his condition was diagnosed, but it is unclear whether an earlier diagnosis would have made a difference.
While those close to Malcolm, and the fashion and music worlds come to terms with his death, his partner is considering whether or not to make a complaint relating to the doctor involved.
Need more information on exposure to asbestos? Chester solicitor Oliver & Co are asbestos experts and their site has more details relating to asbestos and its effects.
