The case of a former Queensland science teacher who was diagnosed with cancer after working with equipment made from asbestos is not isolated, his lawyers say.
The 69-year-old, who has requested not to be named, taught in a Toowoomba school for over a decade in the 1970s and 80s.
He said he spent each day "inadvertently breathing in the ticking time bomb" because Bunsen burner safety mats, which were made from asbestos, were slowly disintegrating as they were moved around the classrooms.
He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in March this year.
"Prior to my diagnosis I was very fit and healthy," the father of two and grandfather of four said.
"It came as a huge shock to me and my family to be told I had asbestos cancer after over 35 years as a teacher."
The man also taught on a relief basis in Sunshine Coast schools, where he worked around more equipment made from asbestos.
His claim was settled in May by Slater and Gordon's Martin Rogalski, who said the circumstances were not isolated.
"Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases can take a number of years to develop, which means people who were exposed 30-50 years ago still might not have any major symptoms," he said.
The man said during his career, his schools had no idea mesothelioma was associated with the use of asbestos.
Mr Rogalski said he had seen a number of clients who were first exposed to asbestos in classrooms, hospitals and offices.
