We report the case of a toxic muscular disease, which, after a thorough enquiry, relates to an occupational exposure to trichlorethylene (TCN). The removal of grease from metal parts by soaking in a tank containing the chlorinated solvent is the origin of the chronic intoxication of the employee. The conditions and exposure levels have been specified by the study of the workplace.

The toxic effect of TCN on muscular cells has been shown experimentally, but muscular diseases in the course of intoxications, perhaps insufficiently researched, are only very rarely reported. Muscular troubles are not in the list of occupational diseases.

TCN, used in industry for a great many years, remains topical due to its utilisation in replacing banned chlorinated solvents, and its possible role in the occurrence of systemic diseases. It seems desirable that occupational physicians should indicate these ailments in order to broaden the knowledge and bring up to date the list of occupational diseases in France.