A man who believes his mesothelioma was caused by asbestos fibres exposed during renovations at his school in the Great Southern could take legal action against the state government. John McDonald, 49, was diagnosed with metastatic mesothelioma in July last year. His lawyer, Tricia Wong from Slater and Gordon said there was evidence confirming James Hardie's asbestos building materials were used in renovations and additions to the school. "It is likely that a claim would be made against the state government as the occupier of the school, as well as James Hardie as manufacturer of the asbestos cement building materials," she said. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that mainly attacks the lining of the lungs, abdomen and the heart.