CLAIMS that a former chemical worker's health problems were made worse by exposure to substances at work were "pure speculation", a court heard yesterday.

Jeffrey Lamb, who has to undergo kidney dialysis, has taken former employers ICI and BASF to court for damages after working with the companies for more than 15 years.

The 43-year-old, of Marwood Drive, Brotton, east Cleveland, told the court he had been exposed to nephro-toxic substances at the Wilton site.

He suffered kidney damage, and his legal team say his condition was "accelerated" by working with the chemicals at the site. They described protective equipment provided to employees as "inadequate".

Yesterday, Judge Michael Taylor, sitting as a judge of the High Court Queen's Bench Division at Teesside Crown Court, heard from experts on behalf of the two companies say the case was based on assumption and speculation.

Dr Andrew Manson, of Middlesex Hospital, London, told the court there was no medical evidence to support the claimant's allegations.

Judge Taylor will hear closing speeches from counsel for all parties today.