15/10/2010 - Stylist warning after nose collapse
A hairdresser has warned others in the industry about the dangers of inhaling human hairs after her nose collapsed.
Edwina Phillipson, 51, said that a hole in her septum developed because of an infection which was caused by the millions of tiny fragments of hair she breathed in during her 35-year career. The problems first started at least 12 years ago when her nose began to itch from hairs in the air at work, but scratching it only made it worse as it created an open wound that was easily infected.
The mother-of-three underwent an operation two weeks ago at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital to repair the wound and rebuild her nose using cartilage from her right ear. She now has to wear a protective mask at all times when at work.
Mrs Phillipson, who runs her own unisex salon in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland, told the Evening Chronicle: "I feel this should be highlighted - it's a danger we are putting ourselves in, but it's like the risks of smoking, everyone thinks it won't happen to them.
"Employers have got to allow their employees to protect themselves, otherwise they will open themselves up to legal action."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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