Student sues UWI over exposure to poisons

A STUDENT pursuing her Masters Degree in Physics at the University of the West Indies (UWI) has filed a lawsuit against the institution, alleging negligence caused her to be exposed to dangerous levels of mercury and silver. Hafsa Baksh, 24, of Barataria, contends she developed increased levels of mercury in her blood while performing practical exercises at one of the labs at UWI’s St Augustine campus. Baksh filed the writ in the Sub-Registry of the High Court in San Fernando, through her attorney Anand Ramlogan. Baksh, who named UWI as defendant, stated that in September 1996, she was conducting exercises on dental amalgam material, including silver and mercury. In June 2001, she was diagnosed by doctors as suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The cause of this ailment, the writ stated, was as a result of overexposure to silver and mercury.

Baksh also contends that UWI was negligent by failing to provide proper face masks, gloves and a properly ventilated laboratory work station. The writ also claimed the laboratory was fitted with defective equipment. Baksh is further alleging that she informed UWI authorities of her allergic reaction to silver, but no effort was made to provide the appropriate masks and safety gear for her protection. Baksh stated she currently uses medication to treat her ailment. However, she stated the drug has had serious side effects which resulted in her having to take regular kidney and liver function tests. Baksh is claiming monetary compensation including aggravated damages.