Trichloroethylene Exposure Lawyers in New York

We Have Been Handling Trichloroethylene (TCE) and Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) Toxic Exposure Cases for Decades

Joseph Lanni, Esq., Jaehyun Oh, Esq., and Ilana Wolk, Esq., of the Jacob Fuchsberg Law Firm are leading the charge against TCE and PCE toxic exposure. Our law firm represents workers exposed to TCE or PCE at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and other contaminated sites.

Exposure may occur through inhalation, skin contact, ingestion of contaminated water, and vapor intrusion. Many have developed cancers due to this prolonged toxic exposure, as reported in a New York Times Brookhaven National Laboratory article from August 22, 2019.

We aggressively pursue legal action against manufacturers for distributing these toxic chemicals without proper precautions. We're also holding private companies like Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) and Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) responsible for their management of BNL.

Meet Our Attorneys

What Are TCE and PCE?

Trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) are synthetic toxic chemicals with diverse industrial uses, including machinery cleaning, electronics, and dry cleaning. TCE may also be present in adhesives, spot removers, paints, and other consumer materials. Despite calls for bans in certain applications, TCE is still found in products like dry cleaning solvents.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have classified both TCE and PCE as human carcinogen, saying these chemicals pose serious adverse health effects. Improper use can lead to contaminated soil, air, and water.

According to the EPA, there's no safe level of exposure to these toxic chemicals, necessitating strict protective measures in occupational or research settings to minimize health hazards. The New York State Department of Health has also set forth specific guidelines for exposure.

Symptoms and Adverse Health Effects of TCE and PCE

The CDC recognizes exposure to either TCE or PCE as a serious health risk. These chemicals have been linked to various severe health problems:

• Kidney cancer
• Kidney failure
• Bladder cancer
• Liver cancer
• Heart defects
• Leukemia
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Birth defects
• Esophageal cancer
• Conditions that affect the central nervous system
• Other serious illnesses

While short-term exposure may cause symptoms like dizziness and headaches, long-term exposure significantly raises the risk of developing these life-threatening medical conditions. Our TCE lawsuit focuses on addressing these critical illnesses associated with exposure.

Routes of Exposure: How TCE and PCE Can Harm Your Body

PCE and TCE contamination results from improper industrial waste management and inadequate worker safety precautions. Exposure occurs through inhalation of toxic fumes, ingestion, and skin contact. These volatile organic compounds quickly vaporize, necessitating protective gear like respirators and gloves when handling them. Contamination can also affect those living or working near mismanaged sites.

One concerning aspect is groundwater contamination, which leads to exposure through drinking, washing with, and inhaling steam from tainted water. Vapor intrusion can introduce TCE into buildings through soil and groundwater, while exposure may also occur by inhaling dust from contaminated soil due to activities like walking or playing sports.

Both TCE and PCE rapidly metabolize upon entering the bloodstream, producing toxic byproducts that can lead to severe medical conditions.

TCE and PCE Brands

TCE and PCE have been sold under a wide variety of different brands over the years.

The following products contain TCE:

• Anamenth
• Blacosolv / Blancosolv
• Tri / Tri-Plus / Triasol
• Triclene / TRI-Clene / Trike
• Cecolene / Circosolv
• Dow-Tri
• Dukeron
• Vestrol / Vitral / Westerosol
• Zep / Zep Power Solv II
• Fleck-Flip / Flock FLIP
• Perm-A-Chlor / Petzinol
• Zep AeroSolve II

The following products contain PCE:

• Antisol / Antisol 1
• Didakene
• Dilatin PT
• Dow-Per
• Perc / Perk
• Perclene / Perclene D
• Percosolv / Percosolve / Perklone
• Tetlen
• Tetralex / Tetravec / Tetropil

Industries Using TCE and PCE

TCE and PCE were and, in some cases, still are primarily used in heavy industries and manufacturing as a degreaser and industrial solvent.

People who work in the following industries may be at risk of exposure to TCE or PCE:

Chemical Manufacturing

• Adhesive manufacturing
• Cement manufacturing
• Chemical synthesis
• Hazardous waste disposal
• Industrial gas manufacturing
• Paint manufacturing
• Plastics manufacturing
• Petroleum refining
• Synthetic rubber manufacturing

Heavy Industries

• Aircraft manufacturing and repair
• Automobile manufacturing and repair
• Machine shop operating
• Machine tool manufacturer
• Metal electroplating or polishing
• Metallurgy
• Pump manufacturing
• Shipbuilding and repair

Electronics, Computers & Telecommunications

• Computer and electronic manufacturing
• Dental equipment manufacturing
• Dry cleaning
• Medical device manufacturing
• Nuclear engineering
• Telecommunications
• Weapons and munitions manufacturing

Other workers may be affected by TCE and PCE. For example, since paint removers and wood finishes may contain TCE, someone who renovates houses could frequently be exposed to these chemicals. Or suppose that toxic chemicals were sprayed in a workshop that shares a ventilation shaft with an office. Individuals working in the office may also suffer from occupational exposure.

Discover How Our Trichloroethylene Lawsuit Attorneys Can Champion Your Rights

At the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Firm, we are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve if you've been exposed to harmful substances. Our experienced trichloroethylene legal team is here to champion your cause, whether you've been affected in the workplace, by hazardous products, or in your own home.