TCE - Tetrachloroethylene

Tetrachloroethylene is the more common name for perchloroethylene or PCE. It comes by various names in industry, including trichloroethylene or "trike"

It is a powerful solvent and is commonly used for the dry cleaning of fabrics. It is also widely used as a metal degreaser.

Like many chlorinated hydrocarbons, tetrachloroethylene is a central nervous system depressant. Inhaling its vapours where there is insufficient ventilation can cause symptoms, the severity of which depends on the extent of the exposure. 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 tetrachloroethylene. The solvent is a powerful degreaser which can cause severe skin irritation and dermatitis.

If exposure occurs at work, there are a number of regulations which can apply, including the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988.

We have achieved landmark judgments in this area of law and have expert lawyers who can handle your claim.

If you are unlucky enough to suffer an illness, disease or injury as a result 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 you suffered is capable of causing the injury complained of, that it did in fact cause your injury, that there was a foreseeable risk of such injury occurring and that 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/suspicion of the cause and keep details of all doctors visited and treatments, and for any injury related expenses.

Clear Answers lawyers are experts in all aspects of personal injury work and in how to pursue claims for damages. They will be able to 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 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. Telephone us now on 0800 783 9019 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms.