Compensation for Workers at Howes Leather

 

Trichloroethylene (TCE) was used at Howe's Leather in a variety of ways, including:

• Degreasing: TCE was used to remove grease and oils from hides before they were tanned. This was done by immersing the hides in a bath of TCE or by spraying them with TCE.
• Tanning: TCE was used in some tanning processes to help the tanning agents penetrate the hides more evenly.
• Finishing: TCE was used in some finishing processes to give the leather a desired appearance or feel. For example, TCE was used to give leather a matte finish or to make it more water-resistant.

TCE was also used at Howe's Leather to clean and maintain equipment.

Howe's Leather workers were exposed to TCE through inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion. Inhalation was the most common route of exposure, as TCE can easily evaporate into the air. Workers could also be exposed to TCE through skin contact by handling TCE-soaked hides or by working in areas where TCE was being used without adequate ventilation. Workers could also be exposed to TCE through ingestion by accidentally swallowing TCE or by eating food that had been contaminated with TCE.

Exposure to TCE can cause a variety of health problems, including:

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Sleepiness
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Unconsciousness
• Death
• Cancer
• Nervous system damage
• Reproductive system damage
• Immune system damage

Howe's Leather workers were at an increased risk of developing these health problems due to their exposure to TCE.

In recent years, the use of TCE in the leather tanning industry has declined due to concerns about its health effects. TCE has been replaced with other solvents that are less harmful to human health.

Howe's Leather is now closed, and the site is being cleaned up by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is working to remove TCE and other contaminants from the soil and groundwater at the site.

If you are a former Howe's Leather worker, you may be eligible for compensation for your health problems. You can learn more about your rights and options by contacting the EPA or a lawyer who specializes in environmental law.