A law firm is warning workers in the aerospace, car manufacturing and metal cleaning and degreasing industries to be vigilant after a new research has solidified a link between an industrial solvent and Parkinson’s Disease.

Thompsons Solicitors is already representing Shaun Wood who was exposed to Trichloroethylene (TCE) and subsequently diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy-P (MSAP), a Parkinsonian condition that affects the nervous system, after exposure to the solvent as a painter and finisher at RAF sites across the world.

In July in the Court of Appeal Thompsons proved that Shaun, 52, from Northallerton had developed the condition after exposure to TCE.

The court ruled that on the evidence presented that there was in legal terms a “probable connection” between heavy solvent exposure and neurological damage.

Link between exposure to TCE and Parkinson's Disease

Now, an international study has strengthened previous research by further linking the solvent to Parkinson’s disease. It found a six-fold increase in the risk of developing the condition in those exposed to TCE or as it was commonly known ‘Trike’.

The study, co-led by Dr Samuel Goldman of the Parkinson’s Institute in California and published in the journal, Annals of Neurology, analysed 99 pairs of twins and showed a significant association.

TCE has been used in paints, glue, carpet cleaners, dry-cleaning solutions and as a degreaser. It has been banned in the food and pharmaceutical industries in most parts of the world since the 1970s.

It is still commonly used as a degreasing agent for metal parts.

Has exposure to TCE or Trike made you ill?

Judith Gledhill head of personal injury at Thompsons Solicitors said: “Trichloroethylene or ‘Trike’ was used in the aerospace industry to a significant extent. Hundreds if not thousands of workers have been exposed to this product as part of their work and many may unknowingly have developed Parkinsonian conditions as a result.”

Shaun Wood added: “I’ve never been without doubt that my condition was caused by exposure to solvents at work. But it has been a long and difficult fight to prove it. Thompsons has supported me since 2007 and I could never have continued my case through the courts without that help.

“This research is important as it strengthens what we already knew. I hope it will mean that others who develop Parkinson’s as a result of negligent exposure to Trike will find it easier to prove their claim than I have done.”

Thompsons has received a number of enquiries from concerned workers who may have been exposed to Trike.

Judith Gledhill added: “Representing Shaun means we have significant experience in handling this type of specialist claim. We have had a number of calls already and would be pleased to talk through what the research means for anyone who thinks exposure to TCE or Trike may have made them ill.”