This unfortunate British chap in early middle age caught a nasty lung disease which unfortunately proved fatal – in spite of being previously in very good physical health (previously being fit and active and easily able to walk 10km) and had never smoked in his lifetime.
He is not the only piper to have got this; it is a known risk with the modern “vegan” bagpipes that have synthetic bags – the previous ones made from leather required some stuff called seasoning (to keep them airtight) that also killed all the nasties. a popular brand has the tagline “guaranteed to make any bag tight that is not actually burst” (which should be read in a Scottish accent)
Also many pipers drank Scotch whilst piping (it is thirsty work) – alcohol also helps disinfect items 😉
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/aug/22/wind-musicians-warned-over-hygiene-as-fatal-case-of-bagpipe-lung-reported
(full medical report here)
Bagpipe lung; a new type of interstitial lung disease? — King et al. — Thorax
Dutch news have also issued a warning (the pipes are equally popular over the North Sea)
Doedelzakspeler overleden aan longinfectie door smerig instrument – RTL Nieuws
