Why are Mechanics at Elevated Risk for Parkinson’s Disease?

What are Chlorinated Solvents?

The term “chlorinated solvents” refers to a large family of solvents that contain chlorine. At room temperature, chlorinated solvents typically appear in the form of a sweet-smelling colorless liquid. Examples of common chlorinated solvents include:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Tetrachloroethylene (AKA Perchloroethylene, PERC, or PCE)
• 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA)
• Methylene Chloride (AKA Dichloromethane or DCM)
• Vinyl Chloride (VC)

Are Chlorinated Solvents Toxic?

Chlorinated solvents can be very toxic. A high-concentration exposure to a chlorinated solvent can cause unconsciousness, coma, and even death. Chronic low-level exposures to chlorinated solvents may result in irreversible damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, blood, and central nervous system. [1-5] Several chlorinated solvents have also been classified as known or probable carcinogens. [6]

Can Chlorinated Solvents Cause Parkinson’s Disease?

In recent years, the scientific community has increasingly linked Parkinson’s disease to chlorinated solvents. Chronic exposures to trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PERC), in particular, are associated with the development of Parkinson’s disease. [1-2] Exposures to TCE and PERC have also been tied to other neurological disorders such as toxic encephalopathy. [7] If you or a loved one suffered chronic exposures to chlorinated solvents and have received a related diagnosis, you may be entitled to compensation.

How are Mechanics Exposed to Chlorinated Solvents?

Chlorinated solvents can be found in many of the products which are marketed as solvents, degreasers, cleaners, sealants, lubricants, penetrating oils, paint thinners, paint strippers, and primers. Mechanics, electricians, machinists, pipefitters, painters, and other tradesmen are exposed to chlorinated solvents when using these products.

How do Dangerous Exposures Occur?

A dangerous exposure to a chlorinated solvent can occur by inhaling solvent vapors, by ingesting food or drink that has been contaminated with a chlorinated solvent, or by absorption through the skin. [1-5] Inhalation is often the primary pathway of occupational exposures, especially when working with chlorinated solvents sold in aerosol cans. Such exposures can be made much worse when working in cramped inspection pits or unventilated garages.

We May be Able to Help

Parkinson’s disease tends to develop later in life. Consequently, any contributing toxic exposures may have occurred decades ago. Linking these exposures to your illness will require experienced toxic tort attorneys. At Hughes Law Offices, working alongside our industrial hygiene and occupational medicine experts, we will take all of these exposures into account when building your case. Call 1 (800) 236-9363 for a free attorney consultation today. Your time to file a claim is limited.

Which Products Contain Trichloroethylene (TCE)?

The following is a non-exhaustive list of products that contain or previously contained trichloroethylene. [8]

Aervoe Nfp Safety Solvent

AirDuster Gun Wash

Brownells C-60 Solvent [TCE Cleaner] Degreaser

MS CA Quik Kleen

Claire Solvent Degreaser

CRC Coil Cleaner

CRC Heavy Duty Degreaser

Cyclo Brake & Parts Clean

Dyna-Brake Cleaner (Aerosol)

EL Electronic Contact Cleaner & Protectant Aerosol

EL Flash Free Electrical Degreaser

EMS Film Cleaner

EZ-Glide Lubricant

GWJ Film Cleaner 90

Grease Gun X-TRA

RemaTipTop Liquid Pre-Buff Cleaner

Sprayon LU 201

NU-Blast

Pro Tools MP Penetrant Lubricant

ProChem Electro Blast

ProChem Electro Solv

ProChem Knock It Off

ProChem Pro Tools NF Solvent Degreaser

ProChem Tacky

ProChem Truex

Quick Smart Electric Motor & Equipment Cleaner

RemaTipTop Innerliner Repair Sealant

RemaTipTop OTR Special BL Cement

RemaTipTop Rim & Bead Sealer

RemaTipTop Special Cement BL

RemaTipTop T-2 Compound Repair System

RemaTipTOP Thermopress MTR

Share Corp Safety Solvent Aerosol

Sprayway 201 & 206

Sprayway Chlorinated Brake & Parts Cleaner – Aerosol

Sprayway C-60 Solvent Degreaser

Sprayway Fusing Machine Cleaner

Tru-Flate Liquid Buffer Cleaner

RSC Tool Cool II

Zep 45

Zep Aerosolve II

Zep Brake Parts Cleaner

Zep Lubrisil

Zep Par

Zep Parts Cleaner

Zep Power Solv II

Zep Super Solv

Zep Top Solv

Zep X-Out II

Which Products Contain Tetrachloroethylene (PERC)?

The following is a non-exhaustive list of products that contain or previously contained tetrachloroethylene (AKA perchloroethylene). [9]

4n1 Lubricant/Penetrant

ABC Brake Cleaner

ACM Gutter/Narrow Seam Sealant, Aluminum Gray

ACM Gutter/Narrow Seam Sealant, White

AGChem Electric Motor Cleaner

Amerimax SeamerMate Professional Grade Permanent Gutter Seal Gray

Amerimax SeamerMate Professional Grade Permanent Gutter Seal White

Aqua-Lub Lubricant 5360

Ashburn Cleaner – Degreaser, Non Flammable (Aerosol)

Ashburn Cleaner Degreaser

Ashburn Penetrating Lube

AST Brake Cleaner

AST Super Dry II

Autoseal 3370 Adhesive

Berkebile 2+2 Clean Brake

Berkebile Electric Contact Cleaner B900

Berkebile Oil 2+2 Tire Inflator

Berryman Brake Parts Cleaner 1401, 1405, 1415, 1420, & 1455

Berryman Professional Chem-Dip Carburetor & Parts Cleaner 0901, 0905, 0955

BG Brake & Contact Cleaner (Aerosol)

Black Zero Rust Primer

Blast Kleen

Blue Zero Rust Primer

Bodacious 5720

Brake Sav (Red/Blue) LB

Break Away

Brody Chemicals Penetrating Lubricant Aerosol

C-139 De Aqua Lube (Aerosol)

Camel 12-092 Non-Flammable Liquid Tire Buffer and Cleaner

Carquest Brake Parts Cleaner

Champion 4126 Brake Cleaner

Champion Brake Parts Cleaner

Champion’s Choice Penetrating Oil and Demoisturant

Chemax Blast It

Chemax Dielectric Encapsulator

Chemchill Electric Motor Cleaner

Chemlok 220 Adhesive

Chemlok 6220 Adhesive

Chesterton 273 Electric Motor Cleaner

CK Preserve

CK Punch It

Claire Moisture Out Penetrating Oil

Clear Lube A A1124

Coal Tar Remover

Coastal “Un-Stuck” Heavy Duty

Coastal Bodacious

Contact Cleaner, 55-120 Blended Formula

Cool-Cut

CRC Brakleen Brake Parts Cleaner

CRC Cable Clean RD

CRC Electrical Parts Cleaner

CRC Heavy Duty Degreaser

CRC Lectra Clean Heavy Duty Electrical Parts Degreaser

CRC Lectra Clean Heavy Duty Energized Electrical Parts Degreaser

CRC Lectra-Motive Electric Parts Cleaner

CRC Marine Cleaner and Degreaser

CRC Quick Clean Safety Solvent and Degreaser

CRC Tyme-1 Cold Parts Cleaner

Crest Auto AG-W, White Lithium Grease

Crest Auto AK-B/AK-B, Brake Kleaner

CT-353 Brake Parts Cleaner

CTF-14, Cutting & Tapping Fluid

Cyclo C109, Parts, Tools & Brake Cleaner

Cyclo C32, Brake & Parts Clean

Cyclo C37, Break Thru Electric Motor Cleaner

Cyclo C85, Energized Circuit & Contact Cleaner

Degrease 20+, 90-305, 90-306 Blended Formula

Dowclene 16 Series

Dowclene 36 Series

Dowclene PX Series

Dowclene PX-16S cleaning fluid

Dowclene PX-33/PX-36 cleaning fluid

Dowclene PX-43S cleaning fluid

DRI All Purpose Penetrant (Aerosol)

Drummond Open & Shut Penetrating Oil

Duncan OG 802 White Gold

Duro Dyne Coil Cleaner – Solvent Based

Dyna-Brake Cleaner

Dynatex 52145 Electrical Parts Cleaner

Eclectic E6000, E6100, & E6800

EL 703 Electric Motor Degreaser Aerosol

Electro-Clean 5160-5170

Enplate Stop-Off No. 1

Farm Oyl Rust Buster

Fast A1007

Fast Dry Solvent

Flush A

Flush Monkey

Foremost 531 Dewaxer Degreaser

Foremost 582 Safety Solvent II

Foremost 584 ES Contact Degreaser

Foremost 585 Solvent Cleaner

Foremost 586 Super Solv II

Foremost 591 ES Super Safe Solv

Foremost 602 ES Dri ‘N Lube

Frontier #850 Chain & Cable Lube

Frontier #853 Pen-Safe

Frontier #873 Chain & Cable Clear

FRP Column Adhesive

G.T.O. Carpet Plus

GB Electrical Degreaser

Geocel 2000, 2300, 2320, & 2350

Geocel Instant Gutter Seal Gutter & Narrow Seam Sealant

Geocel Pro Flex RV Flexible Sealant

Geocel Pro Flex Tripolymer Sealant

Geocel S2 Solar Panel Roof Installation Sealant (white)

Geocel Water Shield Caulking Sealant

Gray Zero Rust Primer

Grease Cut, 55-120 Blended Formula, Grease Cut

Grease Gun A

Grease Gun in a Can

Green Zero Rust Primer

Gunk Brake Parts Cleaner – Chlorinated

Gunk Electric Motor Contact Cleaner – Energized Equipment

Hagerty Silversmiths’ Spray Polish

Handy II

HD Degreasing Solvent

Heavy Duty Silicone 80-695

Hornady – One Shot Primer Sealer (Lock-N-Load Primer Sealer Kit)

Hy-Sol, Hydro-Balance

Ignition & Wire Dryer 142LA

Jet-Lube Clean Up Aerosol

Jig-a-loo

Johnsen’s Brake Parts Cleaner

Kimball Brake Clean Free

Kool Tool Product #7-499320

Lawson Brake Klean Non-Flammable Brake Parts Cleaner

Liqui Grease

Liquid Wrench Non-Flammable Lubricating and Penetrating Oil with Cerflon

Loctite Maintain Lubricant Penetrant

Loctite Pro Strength Parts

Loose Screw 6007

LP-650 (A) Silicone

LU200L Dry Film Moly Lubricant

Mag 1 Brake Parts Cleaner 408

Mag 1 Electric Motor Cleaner 445

MARC 100 PEN-A-LUBE

MARC 103 SAFE-SOLV

Meyer Brake Parts Cleaner CN-1261

Meyer TP-69

Midas Tarnish Shield

Mighty Chlorinated Brake Cleaner

Miracle Tool (Aerosol)

Misty Brake Parts Cleaner

Misty ICS Energized Electrical Cleaner

Misty Moisture Guard

Misty Penetrating Lube

Moisture Guard

MS 513 Super Quick Kleen II

MS 550 Super Pen 4

MS 572 Grease G

MS CA Quik Kleen

MS E-Z Glide Lubricant

MS Electra-Dri

MSC Cutting Tool Coolant

NAPA Mac’s Brake and Brake Parts Cleaner

NOCO E1009 Restore Black Battery Reconditioner

North Woods Electro Kleen

NRI Electric Motor Cleaner

Nu-Calgon Aerosol Degreasing Solvent EF

Nu-Calgon Degreasing Solvent EF

Nut Buster

Nutbuster

Orenco ADH 100 Clear (Non Flam)

Original Formula Alumtap

Orko

Overall Brake Parts Cleaner

Pad Kleen 8070

Parts Master Brake & Parts Cleaner #1733

PEN Penetrating Oil

Penray Electric Motor Cleaner

Pierce 009 Penetrating Lubricant

Pierce 5090 Penetrating Lubricant

Pierce 5500 Penetrating Lubricant

Polyurethane 8800 Series-Base

Power-Solv Energized Electrical Cleaner

Prep-A-Lube

Pro Tools MP Penetrant Lubricant

Pro-Strength Brake and Parts Cleaner

Probe

ProChem Knock It Off

ProCOLOR SWD Tripolymer Sealant

Pronto Brake Cleaner

Pronto Brake Cleaner

Pyroil Brake Parts Cleaner

Repell Moisture Displacer

Q20 Multi-Purpose Lubricant

Qmaxx Industrial Strength

QuestVapco Quickleen II

Quicksilver Marine Parts Degreaser and Cleaner

Quick Smart Electric Motor & Equipment Cleaner

Radiator Specialty Company Brake Parts Cleaner (Chlorinated)

Rapid Solv

Red Zero Rust Primer

Rubber Roller Restorer

SAF-SOL

SAF-SOL 20/20 Aerosol

SAF-T-SOLV

Safety Lube 2000

Safety Red Zero Rust Primer

Safety Solvent Cleaner 004

Safety Yellow Zero Rust Primer

Service Pro Chlorinated Brake Cleaner

Service Pro Non-Flammable Brake Cleaner – SP4820

Sheila Shine (Aerosol and liquid)

SIFCO Process Tuff Mask

Sili Lubricant 5370

Sili-Coat

Silicone Spray 4504

Slick

Solv-All 2 Metal Parts Solvent 80-929

Soot Clean Spray, 35-620 Blended Formula

Sprayway Chlorinated Brake Parts Cleaner

Sprayway L2 Moisture Displacer/Deep Penetrant

State SSD II

Sunbelt Nut Buster Penetrating Oil

Super Degreasing Solvent

Super Slide A

SuperCo Break Away

SuperCo Bust A

SuperCo SSP 200

Talon Chlorinated Brake Cleaner

Talon White Lithium Grease

Tan Zero Rust Primer

Team 89 Nut Buster

Techtride Perk

Terand Coil Cleaner Solvent- Based C

Tip Top Metal Primer PR 300

Tool Cool Aerosol

Tool Coolant II

Tool Crib Electric Motor and Contact Cleaner

TORQ + Intensive Action Penetrating Oil 80-923

Tru-Flate Liquid Buffer Cleaner

Turco 5570-G

Turco Form Mask 537

Turco Form Mask 540-R

Ultra-Chem Blast

Ultra-Chem Break It

Ultra-Chem Buster

Ultra-Chem Cure

Ultra-Cut Cutting Tool Coolant 80-801

United 108 Quik Break

United 96 Anabonda

Vapco Spray Degreaser

Waterproofer 25

Well-Worth Brake Cleaner

White Lightning Storm Blaster All Season Sealant, White

Winzer Cool Spray

WL 941 Dry Weld Spatter Protectant Aerosol

Xtra Seal

Yellow Zero Rust Primer

Zep 45

Zep Anti-Spatter

Zep Brake Parts Cleaner

Zep Chlorinated Degreaser Blend

Zep Formula 300 4-1 GL

Zep Lubrisil

Zep Parts Cleaner Aero DZ

Zep Solv

Zepunch

Zircon Z99 Safety Solvent

References

[1] https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp19.pdf

[2] https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp18.pdf

[3] https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/tp70.pdf

[4] https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp20.pdf

[5] https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp14.pdf

[6] https://monographs.iarc.who.int/list-of-classifications

[7] https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/87-104/default.html

[8] https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-02/documents/trichloroethylene.pdf

[9] https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-02/documents/perchloroethylene.pdf