Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a chemical solvent that was widely used for decades across military and industrial settings. It helped clean metal parts, degrease equipment, and support maintenance operations involving aircraft, vehicles, weapons systems, and machinery. At the time, TCE was used because it worked well, evaporated quickly, and could remove grease, oil, and residue from metal surfaces. Today, it’s a known toxic chemical linked to serious health risks, including several cancers, neurological problems, immune system effects, and reproductive harm.

For many service members and military families, exposure to TCE could have been a daily occurrence due working with solvents, contaminated soil, polluted indoor air, or drinking water at military installations. The health effects of TCE can appear years or even decades after exposure. Learn more about TCE, how exposure occurred, what health risks are associated with it, and what resources are available to affected veterans and their families.

What Is Trichloroethylene?

Trichloroethylene is a chlorinated solvent that’s a clear, colorless liquid with a somewhat sweet odor. For most of the 20th century, it was used in industrial, commercial, and military operations because it could dissolve oils, waxes, greases, and other substances that were hard to remove.

TCE has been used in:

• Metal degreasing
• Aircraft maintenance
• Vehicle repair
• Weapons cleaning
• Electronics manufacturing
• Dry cleaning operations
• Paint and adhesive removal
• Industrial cleaning processes

Due to scientific understanding of its dangers, it’s now recognized as a hazardous substance that can contaminate air, soil, groundwater, and drinking water.

Use of TCE in Military Operations

The military relied heavily on equipment that needed constant maintenance. Aircraft, ships, trucks, tanks, weapons systems, and support machinery all required cleaning and degreasing to operate safely and effectively. TCE became a common solvent in many military workplaces because it was effective and easy to use. It was often found in maintenance shops, hangars, depots, repair facilities, and industrial areas on military bases. TCE was commonly used in the military to:

• Clean aircraft parts and engines
• Degrease vehicle components
• Remove oil from weapons parts
• Clean electrical and mechanical equipment
• Prepare metal surfaces for repair or painting
• Maintain radar, communications, and support systems
• Clean tools and shop equipment
• Support depot-level repair and manufacturing work

In some settings, workers used open tanks or vapor degreasers containing TCE. Metal parts could be dipped into the solvent or exposed to TCE vapors to remove grease and residue. These processes often release chemical vapors into the air. 

TCE and Contaminated Water at Military Installations

Water contamination is a major source of TCE exposure tied to military service. In some cases, contamination was not discovered until years after service members and families had already been exposed. One well-known exposure is those who were at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina where drinking water was contaminated for decades with TCE and other chemicals. TCE has also been found at other military sites and defense facilities, often linked to maintenance, repair, and industrial operations. 

Health Issues Linked to TCE Exposure

TCE exposure can affect the body in both the short and long term, depending on the level and duration of exposure, as well as individual health factors. Short-term effects could include headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, confusion, and irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat. Long-term or repeated exposure has been linked to more serious conditions, including kidney and liver damage, certain cancers, neurological and immune system effects, and reproductive or developmental issues.

TCE and Cancer Risk

Cancer is a major health concern linked to TCE exposure in veterans, especially kidney and liver cancer. Because TCE is processed by the kidneys and liver, long-term exposure may increase cancer risk in these organs, as well as affect the immune system through conditions like non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Neurological Effects of TCE Exposure

TCE can affect the nervous system. Common neurological can include:

• Memory problems
• Trouble concentrating
• Headaches
• Numbness or tingling
• Balance problems
• Mood changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Cognitive changes

Some veterans may struggle to connect these symptoms to chemical exposure, especially if symptoms appear slowly over time. Neurological symptoms can also overlap with other service-related conditions, so getting a medical evaluation is important.

Effects on the Immune System and Other Organs

Some research has explored links between TCE exposure and autoimmune conditions where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Effects to the immune systems and other organs include: O

• Liver dysfunction
• Kidney disease
• Respiratory irritation
• Skin problems
• Heart-related effects after high exposure
• Reproductive health concerns

For pregnant individuals exposed to TCE-contaminated water or air, there have also been concerns about developmental effects in children. Especially where families lived on contaminated military bases.

What Action Should be Taken if a Veteran Suspects Exposure to TCE?

If a veteran suspects they were exposed to TCE during military service, there are steps to take to protect your health and support a potential VA claim.

Get a Medical Evaluation

Talk to a healthcare provider regarding your concerns about possible TCE exposure. A thorough evaluation and screening for related conditions can help identify any current health issues early. A nexus letter from a physician linking your condition to exposure is often needed.

Document Symptoms & Treatment

A journal of daily symptoms and how it affects your life, as well as medical visits, diagnoses, and treatments. This documentation is important for both medical care and any future VA disability claim. 

Gather Evidence of Possible Exposure

Try to identify where and when TCE exposure may have occurred. This could be duty stations, military occupational specialties, or time spent at facilities known for solvent use or contamination.

Obtain Service & Medical Records

Request your military personnel records and complete medical records. These can help establish where you served and support a connection between service and exposure.

Talk to a VA-accredited Attorney at the Disability Benefit Center

If you believe your health condition may be related to TCE during military service, it’s important to understand your options when applying for disability benefits. Our VA-accredited attorneys will review your service history, medical records, and potential exposure points, then help build a strategy for your claim or appeal. Whether you are filing for the first time or challenging a denial, having experienced legal guidance can make it easier to navigate the VA system and pursue the benefits you’re entitled to. Contact us 24/7 by calling us at (833) 922-2799 or filling out our online form for a free case review and consultation. 

FAQs

What is TCE?

TCE is a chemical solvent that was widely used in military maintenance, cleaning, and industrial operations. It has been linked to environmental contamination at some military sites.

What health conditions are linked to TCE exposure?

TCE exposure has been associated with several serious conditions, including kidney cancer, liver cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, neurological issues, and kidney or liver damage.

Can TCE exposure qualify for VA disability benefits?

Veterans may qualify for VA disability benefits if they can show a current diagnosis, evidence of in-service exposure, and a medical link between the two.

Is Camp Lejeune the only place TCE exposure occurred?

While Camp Lejeune is a well-known example, TCE has also been found at other military bases, defense facilities, and contaminated industrial sites.

What should I do if my claim is denied?

You can appeal through a Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board appeal, especially if you obtain new medical or exposure evidence.