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Raynauds disease can occur for a number of reasons, some of which, such as those related to hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), come under the heading of work-related injury and should have been prevented or eased by the use of suitable protection.
It has been assumed that most cases of personal injury connected to Raynauds, where the narrowing of blood vessels leads to circulation problems in the extremities, were caused by stress being put on the limbs but research published in June 2011 has revealed another potential risk of workers contracting this complaint.
A study at the University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand, has found a marked increase in Raynauds among medical laboratory workers who have regularly handled solvents including toluene and xylene.
Scleroderma, a rare connective tissue disease affecting multiple systems in the body and mainly among women, has been linked to Raynauds and the researchers found that it was female laboratory workers who were most severely affected by the disease with double the risk for those who worked with the two substances, especially if combined with acetone or toluene when the likelihood of suffering from the disease was up to nine times greater.
The lead researcher said he was concerned that three quarters of the workers handled wet sample slides without gloves and many had done so for more than ten years.
"Absorption through the skin is a classic way for solvents to have a negative impact on health."
He added that the study showed the need for care in handling solvents in the workplace and the advisability of wearing gloves.
This pioneering research may cause workers in a number of industries to consider how the handling of materials which might not previously have been considered hazardous to health should be respected for their potential to harm.
Although the use of chemicals have brought many benefits to the human race, they should be treated with respect and care at all times because there may be unknown consequences of being in close proximity with them which may not become apparent until it is too late to reverse an illness such as Raynauds disease.
YouClaim solicitor for Raynauds disease
If you or a closed loved one has contracted Raynauds disease and believe it has been caused through lack of protection and safety measures in the workplace, our personal injury solicitors may well be able to help you.
YouClaim's lawyers have many years of experience in advising and representing workers who have suffered as a result of their employment and can make a justified compensation claim.
Our professional yet sympathetic legal staff offers not just the highest standards but, in most cases, can use the no win no fee system, meaning you keep every penny of damages awarded without deduction.
Find out about help for Raynauds disease sufferers by calling our freephone number 0800 10 757 95 or start an echat.
