The deadly legacy of Bradford’s industrial past was highlighted yesterday at the inquests of three men who died of asbestos-related diseases.

Eric Waite, of Little Horton, Jack Lobley, of Idle, and Sandor Kovacs, of Frizinghall, are among hundreds of people who have lost their lives in the past year.

And campaigners say there will be many more former employees in Bradford district facing the “death sentence” of mesothelioma – the incurable killer disease caused by exposure to asbestos – and related conditions.

Carol Deurden, chairman of Bradford Asbestos Victim Support Group, said: “We are getting more and more inquiries about mesothelioma. The national figure is rising every year and is expected to keep on rising.”

Mr Waite, an 80-year-old widower contracted an industrial disease while working as a plumber, the inquest in Bradford heard yesterday.

He had often had to remove asbestos lagging from pipes at Bowling Mills and had worked at other businesses including Bulmer and Lumb in Wibsey, a chemical factory in Low Moor and Brown, Muff’s department store.

A post-mortem examination carried out by pathologist Dr Faisal Ali found pleural plaques on his lungs caused by exposure to asbestos.

Bradford Assistant Deputy Coroner Tim Ratcliffe told the inquest it was not certain where Mr Waite had contracted the disease but said it was clear he had worked “in circumstances where he was exposed to asbestos”.

Former joiner and RAF maintenance worker Jack Lobley, 89, had worked on Bradford landmarks, including the Alhambra and the former Arndale centre before he retired in 1986.

Again, a post-mortem examination following his death in December revealed asbestos fibres in his lungs.

Welder Sandor Kovacs, 74, of Frizley Gardens, moved to Bradford in the 1970s after fleeing the Hungarian uprising in 1956, the inquest heard.

He had been aware he might have contracted mesothelioma since 2007 after suffering shortness of breath.

Mr Kovacs, who had worked for about 30 years for companies across the country, was told by doctors his condition had been caused by exposure to asbestos while removing lagging.

Mr Ratcliffe recorded verdicts that all three men died of industrial disease.

* Anyone who believes that they or a member of their family has contracted an asbestos-related disease can contact the support group on (01274) 393949.