Blue asbestos fibers identical to that lining the walls of a stationery shop were found in the lungs of its former manager, who died of an asbestos-linked illness after working there for more than 30 years, it was learned Monday.
According to medical experts, it is the first case in Japan where someone has contracted a disease from asbestos exposure in a regular environment instead of at or around an industrial facility.
The man died at age 70 after suffering mesothelioma, and fibers of blue asbestos -- considered extremely toxic -- were found in his lungs.