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Trichloroethylene (Trike) Poisoning

Introduction to TCE

Trichloroethylene is also known as TCE, or ‘trike’. It is a powerful solvent and is widely used as a degreasing agent. It can be found in paint strippers and industrial chemical cleaners and is used in a number of industries including the aerospace and car industries, in textile treatment, the PVC industry and the dry cleaning industry.

A similar solvent to TCE is PCE or perchloroethylene which has a slightly different chemical make–up and is used most frequently, in the dry cleaning industry.

Symptoms and Results of Trike (TCE) Poisoning

Trichloroethylene is very harmful if vapours from it are inhaled and it can cause many symptoms ranging from headaches, dizziness and nausea to organ damage, motor problems or even death. It is also dangerous if it comes into contact with the skin and can cause severe skin irritation or dermatitis.

A recent study has also reported a “significant association” between exposure to TCE, PCE and a third solvent called Carbon Tetrachloride and Parkinson’s Disease.

If you suspect that you may have been exposed to trike, you should seek medical advice immediately.

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s Disease is a form of brain damage for which there is no cure.  The most common symptoms of Parkinson's Disease are slowness of movement, shaking and stiffness.  Some of the other symptoms include tiredness, depression, difficulty swallowing, constipation, bladder weakness and difficulties with handwriting, speech and balance.

These symptoms are not exclusive to Parkinson's Disease; however and could also be caused by other medical conditions.  If you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms, you should see your GP.

Parkinson's Disease affects everyone differently and each sufferer is likely to have a different collection of symptoms.

Exposure to Trike Work or in the Environment

A person may be exposed to trike whilst at work if they have not been issued with the necessary protective clothing and members of the public could be exposed to it due to a spillage or inadequate safety measures during disposal / incineration.

There are detailed regulations in place which are designed to protect all workers from exposure to chemicals and other substances in the workplace and these are called “The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations” or COSHH for short. If a person believes they have been harmed by an exposure to trichloroethylene at work or in the environment, then they may be entitled to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Compensation Claim Advice

If you or anyone you know has developed an illness as a result of an exposure to trike, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.

There are strict time limits in place to make any personal injury claim.  For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.

Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors 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 you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.