An Assessment of Hand Thermography in Vinyl Chloride Workers

Since Raynaud's phenomenon is an early and integral part ofthe condition of acro-osteolysis in vinyl chloride workers,a survey involving 143 workers and 56 controls was carried outto assess the feasibility of using hand thermography to detectchanges from the normal pattern of vascularity.From the almostidentical results between the control and the exposed subjects,and between groups within the exposed population, it appearsthat there is no detectable difference in thermographic appearances. Requests for reprints should be addressed to: Dr D. M. J. Williams, BP Chemicals International Ltd, Sully, Penarth, South Glamorgan CF6 2YU.