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MEK Poisoning Compensation Claims
What is MEK?
Information about Methyl ethyl ketone
Symptoms of MEK Poisoning
What effects will MEK Poisoning have on my health?
Diagnosis of MEK Poisoning
How will my MEK Poisoning be diagnosed?
Treatment of MEK Poisoning
What Treatment will I require if I suffer from MEK Poisoning?
Prevention of MEK Poisoning
MEK Poisoning can be prevented
MEK Poisoning Compensation Claim Advice
How to start a personal injury claim if you develop MEK Poisoning
What is MEK?
Information about Methyl ethyl ketone
Methyl ethyl ketone or MEK (also known as 2-butanone) is a colourless, highly flammable liquid which is used in paints and other coatings because it will quickly evaporate. It is also used industrially as a solvent and in the synthetic rubber and petrochemical industries as well as in the manufacture of plastics and textiles. It can be found in printing inks and in household products such as lacquer, varnishes and paint remover. It is not considered a significant health threat.
Industries which use MEK include the chemical industry, rubber manufacturers, pharmaceutical industry, and the manufacturers of paints, inks, varnishes and lacquers. MEK is emitted into the air during industrial processes unless a spillage occurs.
Workers in the industries that use or produce MEK are at risk of exposure which can affect their health. MEK can enter the body if we breathe in contaminated air, or consume food or water that has been contaminated. It can also pass through the skin.
If you are exposed to MEK at work or in the environment you may be able to make an MEK poisoning compensation claim.
Symptoms of MEK Poisoning
What effects will MEK Poisoning have on my health?
Exposure to MEK can affect the nervous system causing headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Its effects are similar to drunkenness. Exposure to MEK may cause someone to pass out and it can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and skin. If a person is continually exposed to MEK, their nervous system may be damaged but serious health effects in animals have only been seen at very high levels.
There is not much information available about the chronic (long-term) effects of MEK exposure in humans. Tests on animals have shown that it may result in slight neurological, liver, kidney, and respiratory effects. It may also lead to skin irritation and dermatitis.
It should also be noted that solvents like MEK are frequently used in conjunction with other chemicals which may increase the effect that MEK has on health. This means that if MEK is inhaled with other harmful substances, the damage caused may be more serious.
If you are exposed to MEK at work or in the environment you may be able to make an MEK poisoning compensation claim.
Diagnosis of MEK Poisoning
How will my MEK Poisoning be diagnosed?
There is no specific medical test to determine whether someone has been exposed to MEK but it may be possible to detect it in the blood, breath, and urine. Any tests are only useful for determining recent exposure because MEK leaves the body quickly.
If you are exposed to MEK at work or in the environment you may be able to make an MEK poisoning compensation claim.
Treatment of MEK Poisoning
What Treatment will I require if I suffer from MEK Poisoning?
Removal from the source of exposure is important and treatment can then be given for the effects of inhalation or skin contact.
If you are exposed to MEK at work or in the environment you may be able to make an MEK poisoning compensation claim.
Prevention of MEK Poisoning
MEK Poisoning can be prevented
At work, safe work methods limit exposure. There should be a source of fresh air and good ventilation. Breathing protection and protective clothing should be provided where necessary.
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 MEK, Methyl ethyl ketone or 2-butanone at work or in the environment, then they may be entitled to make a personal injury compensation claim.
MEK Poisoning Compensation Claim Advice
How to start a personal injury claim if you develop MEK Poisoning
If you or anyone you know has MEK poisoning or any other industrial disease, 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 e compensation claim forms.
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