Nebraska Personal Injury Lawyer for Trichlor Injuries
Cleaning solvents, chlorides, and other chemicals can pose a huge risk
of personal injury. Domina Law Group pc llo has extensive experience in
injury claims and has seen the devastating effects injury can have on
clients and their families. One dangerous chemical that more information
is surfacing on is Trichloroethylene, or TCE. TCE is a man-made chemical
used primarily as a metal degreaser. Its use has been widespread and is
now well known to cause cancer and damage the nervous and immune systems.
It is also known as Ethylene trichloride, Penzinol, or Chlorilen.
What is TCE and where is it found?
TCE appears as a clear or pale blue liquid with a sweet smell. It has been
listed as class D1B Toxic, D2A Very toxic (Carcinogenicity; Mutagenicity)
and D2B Toxic (Skin irritant; eye irritant). TCE is most commonly associated
with tool and automobile production after being used as a solvent. In
homes, it is found in typewriter correction fluid, paint, spot removers,
cleaning fluids, and varnishes. TCE has been found in many drinking water
supplies in the United States after entering the ground water and surface
water from industrial discharges or from improper disposal of landfill waste.
People who have worked in degreasing operations have the highest risk of
exposure to TCE. Exposure to the chemical can happen by breathing, touching,
or drinking/eating. People who use TCE as a solvent may breathe significant
amounts of the compound. Since TCE evaporates quickly, people who shower
or bath in contaminated water may breathe the vapors, as well. TCE can
be absorbed through the skin. Individuals who don't use solvent-resistant
gloves while using the compound may face exposure. Groundwater can be
contaminated once TCE is released into the soil, thus anybody who drinks
from a well may be exposed.
Unfortunately many industrial companies use and have used Trichloroethylene
for decades without properly supplying their employees with proper education
about the chemical or proper safety training or protective measures to
prevent all the devastating problems associated with Trichloroethylene exposure.
Potential Health Effects of TCE
Some health effects may occur immediately or shortly after inhaling air
that contains more than 50,000 parts per billion by volume of
Trichloroethylene. These include:
- Heart problems including cardiac arrhythmias;
- Serious liver injury;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Eye, nose and throat irritation.
- Dizziness, headache, neurological problems; and
Although TCE has not been specifically linked to certain effects in humans,
studies have shown that animals exposed to high levels of the compound
may develop problems such as:
- Cancer (including liver, kidney, lung, brain, soft tissue, testicular tumors,
and leukemia)
- Heart defects in offspring when mother was exposed to TCE
- Increased risk of Parkinson's Disease (six times greater than that
of non-exposed subject)
First Aid Measures for TCE
If TCE is inhaled, ensure your safety before attempting to help anyone
else. Move the victim to a fresh air supply and call the Poison Control
Center. If
Trichloroethylene makes contact with skin or eyes, immediately flush the area with lukewarm
water for approximately 20 minutes. Call the Poison Control Center right away.
Standards for Regulating TCE
TCE drinking water standards are set at 5 parts per billion by both the
state and federal agencies. If levels are higher than this it may be a
good idea to stop drinking the water and possibly avoid bathing in or
washing with the contaminated water.
Contacting an Omaha Injury Attorney from Domina Law Group
Contact us if you or a loved one has had dangerous exposure to Trichloroethylene.
Our Nebraska personal injury lawyers understand the seriousness TCE can
pose after exposure, especially when long term. We will fight to ensure
the companies and manufacturers who have exposed victims to this harmful
chemical remain responsible for their actions.