Studies have shown that acute and chronic (long-term) exposure to the chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) can affect the human heart, central nervous system, liver, kidney, immune system, cervix and lymphatic system. Epidemiological studies have reported trichloroethylene exposure to be associated with several types of cancers and other serious disorders.
Workers may be regularly exposed in specific workplaces, and employers have a responsibility to protect employees and provide a safe work environment.
Should any employer fail in this regard and a worker falls ill as a result of workplace toxin exposure, an investigation may be necessary, a claim can be filed against the negligent company, and injured workers can be awarded proper compensation for related expenses and pain and suffering.
Joe Lyon is a highly-rated Toxic Tort Attorney, representing plaintiffs nationwide in a wide variety of civil litigation claims and TCE exposure injury lawsuits.
Uses of Trichloroethylene (TCE)
Most of the trichloroethylene used in the United States is released into the atmosphere from industrial operations in the vapor degreasing of metal parts. Trichloroethylene is used as an extraction solvent for greases, oils, fats, waxes, and tars; and also in consumer products such as typewriter correction fluids, paint removers, adhesives, spot removers, and rug-cleaning fluids.
TCE use was extensive through the 1970s mainly as a degreasing agent in metal-fabricating operations, mostly before the environmental concerns. TCE was banned as a food additive and in cosmetics in 1977. TCE has also had several uses in other industries like the following:
