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TCE - Trichloroethylene

Industrial diseases caused by exposure to Trichloroethylene

Trichloroethylene is known by various names in industry, including TCE or "trike”. It is a powerful solvent and is widely used as a metal degreaser and in industrial chemical cleaners and paint strippers. TCE is used in a number of industries such as car manufacturing, aerospace, production of PVC and textile treatments.

Even today, unsafe practices in the use of TCE continue. Metal components are dipped into trike-filled tanks, uncovered, and exposing workers to the harmful fumes.

Please select one of the links below to find out more about TCE poisoning and whether Clear Answers can help you bring a claim for compensation.

Symptoms of TCE poisoning
Parkinson's Disease
Valid claims for compensation for exposure to Trichloroethylene
News stories for injuries caused by exposure to harmful substances
Making a claim for compensation for TCE poisoning

Symptoms of TCE poisoning

Like many chlorinated hydrocarbons, trichloroethylene is a central nervous system depressant. Inhaling TCE vapours where there is insufficient ventilation can cause symptoms, the severity of which depends on the extent of the exposure to trike vapours. At one level, the symptoms will amount to dizziness, headache, nausea, but more serious exposures can cause confusion, motor problems and ultimately death. Animal studies suggest a link with liver and kidney damage.

Much exposure to TCE in industry comes from skin contact when metal parts are degreased in a solution containing trichloroethylene. The solvent is a powerful degreaser that can cause severe skin irritation and dermatitis.

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Parkinson's Disease

In 2011, an international study into the possible links between exposure to harmful solvents such as TCE and Parkinson’s Disease, has confirmed that there is a significant association.

The most common symptoms of Parkinson's Disease are slowness of movement, shaking and stiffness, and it is a form of brain damage for which there is no cure. Individual sufferers may experience different symptoms as Parkinson's Disease affects everyone differently. Tiredness, depression, difficulty swallowing, constipation, bladder weakness and difficulties with handwriting, speech and balance may also be present.

However, if you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms, you should see your GP, as they may be caused by other medical conditions.

If your exposure to harmful chemicals such as trichloroethylene occurs at work, there are a number of regulations that can apply, including the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations. If a breach of these regulations is proven to have caused your condition, you may be able to make a claim for industrial disease compensation.

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Valid claims for compensation for exposure to Trichloroethylene

We have achieved landmark judgments in this area of law and have expert occupational disease lawyers who can handle your claim. If you are unlucky enough to suffer an illness, disease or injury as a result of such exposure, it is possible that you may be able to bring a claim for damages, otherwise known as compensation. Detailed evidence will be necessary to establish that the exposure

that you suffered is capable of causing the injury complained of
did in fact cause your injury
was a foreseeable risk of such injury occurring
by the person or body responsible was negligent or in breach of statutory duty in allowing or causing the leak or discharge to occur

This will require a considerable body of expert evidence from technical experts in different fields. If you believe that you are suffering an illness, disease or injury as a result of something in the environment, make sure that you seek medical advice and that your treating doctors are made aware of your belief or suspicion of the cause and keep details of all doctors visited and treatments, and for any injury related expenses.

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News stories for injuries caused by exposure to harmful substances

Clear Answers' solicitors deal with a large number of industrial disease cases each year which result from exposure to harmful substances, Details of some of these and other personal injury accident compensation claims can be found in our Personal Injury News Section which is updated regularly.

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Making a claim for compensation for TCE poisoning

Please visit our section on information and advice for more details on making a personal injury compensation claim.

Strict time limits apply to making a claim for any type of personal injury, so please contact an experienced solicitor as soon as you think you may have a claim for compensation.

Clear Answers personal injury lawyers are experts in all aspects of personal injury work and in how to pursue claims for damages. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have, advise you whether a claim for damages is possible, give guidance and assistance on how the claim can be pursued and ensure that all the correct evidence is obtained to secure the best result for you.

If you do have a valid personal injury accident compensation claim and you decide to instruct Clear Answers to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for yourself. You will keep 100% of the companesation awarded. Telephone us now on 0800 783 9019 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms, and one of our representatives will contact you as soon as possible

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