The death of an Abbots Langley man was not related to his 46 year career working with asbestos, an inquest heard.

William Simpson worked as an asbestos sheet moulder, however died of emphysema - an unrelated lung disease peacefully at home in October 2012 as ruled by coroner, Edward Thomas.

The 90-year-old was a heavy smoker and suffered with diabetes and high cholesterol. Mr Thomas ruled that Mr Simpson, of Upper Highway, died of natural causes and ruled out traces of asbestos at an inquest in Hatfield yesterday.

An examination by pathologist, Dr Lutfulwahab revealed Mr Simpson had severely inflamed and infected lungs and a tumour in the liver.

Mr Thomas said this would have caused Mr Simpson’s health to deteriorate in the 9 months leading up to his death.

Heidi Garratt, Mr Simpson’s daughter said: "He was a lovely man. Very loyal, hard working and consistent."

During the inquest Mr Thomas said he was touched by reports from Dr Odhiaribo, who described Mr Simpson’s daughters, Karen and Heidi as "caring daughters" while looking after their father.

Mr Simpson’s wife died in 2006.

Mr Thomas said: "It must be very hard for you, what with going through your mother’s death not too long ago.

"It is nice to know you both looked after your father as he did when you were younger."

He then pointed to Mr Simpson’s granddaughter Georgia Garratt and said: "I am sure you will do the same and look after your parents when they are older too."