A recent national study found that exposure to tetrachloroethylene, known as PCE, is associated with an increased risk of liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis is serious scarring of the liver that can progress to liver failure or cancer. The study found that risk of liver disease rose with higher levels of exposure, suggesting a dose-dependent relationship. Consequently, public-health officials say that exposure to PCE warrants increased screening and regulatory action, particularly in cases involving long-term toxic chemical exposure.
What is PCE?
PCE (Perchloroethylene), also known as tetrachloroethylene or “perc,” is a colorless, non-flammable, volatile chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent widely used in industrial products including dry cleaning solvents, brake cleaners, metal degreasers, and spot removers. Additionally, it is used in consumer products such as craft adhesives and stainless steel polish.
How does exposure occur?
Exposure can occur through occupational work such as in dry-cleaning work and industrial employment. It can also occur from prolonged exposure to consumer products. Alternatively, people who live near sites that use or release PCE may be exposed. Exposure may also occur from residues on laundered clothing and from indoor air that retains the chemical. PCE also shows up at contaminated Superfund sites, where groundwater and soil pollution can create long-term community exposure risks that are often addressed through toxic exposure litigation.
Health impacts of PCE exposure
Beyond liver fibrosis, previous research links PCE to several cancers and other harms. Agencies have long classified it as a probable human carcinogen. For example, PCE is on California’s list of chemicals that can cause cancer, requiring warning labels and restrictions on its use. Exposure is linked to liver, kidney, brain, and other cancers, and the US EPA is phasing out many of its uses.
Clinically, liver fibrosis can cause fatigue, abdominal pain, and later signs of liver dysfunction. In some cases, it progresses to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Vulnerable groups, including workers with high occupational exposure and residents near contaminated sites, face the greatest risk.
Litigation and accountability
Lawsuits over solvent-related cancers and liver disease have been filed in the past. Toxic-exposure claims, including high-profile water-contamination cases such as Camp Lejeune, show how plaintiffs pursue compensation when government or industry contamination causes cancer or liver injury. Similarly, PCE lawsuits have been filed by workers and nearby residents alleging occupational and environmental negligence, which is a common focus of toxic and radioactive materials exposure cases.
What you should do if you have been exposed to PCE
If you worked around dry cleaning facilities, handled degreasing solvents, or lived near an industrial site and now suffer liver disease or cancer, contact an attorney. Additionally, document your exposure history. Most importantly, seek prompt medical attention. If you think you may have been exposed and would like more information about your legal contact Stag Liuzza today. Stag Liuzza is a plaintiff-oriented law firm, representing a variety of clients in large-scale, complex litigation involving environmental pollution, toxic exposure, and more.
