Workers at a now closed smokeless fuel plant in Wales did develop potentially deadly illnesses caused by their work, the High Court ruled in October 2012. The men said making the fuel briquettes at the Phurnacite plant at Abercwmboi, Rhondda Cynon Taf, left them with cancer and respiratory diseases. The ruling concluded there was convincing evidence that diseases of the lung could be caused by the processes at the plant, with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) including emphysema and chronic bronchitis as well as lung cancer qualifying for payouts. One type of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, was also found to be related to the work.

Hugh James Solicitors news release. Irwin Mitchell Solicitors news release. Wales Online. ITV News. BBC News Online. Risks 579.