A study has linked trichlorethylene (TCE), a chemical used in dry cleaning, to Parkinson’s disease. Researchers have previously linked Parkinson’s disease to exposure to toxins, such as pesticides and air pollution. Now, scientists at the University of Rochester believe that a commonly used chemical, trichlorethylene (TCE), can also cause Parkinson’s disease. More than 8.5 million people worldwide have Parkinson’s disease, a condition of the nervous system that causes movement disorders, such as tremors, stiff legs, and cognitive problems.
Doctors still do not understand the cause of Parkinson’s disease. However, the disease has been linked to low levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the body. Also, people with certain risk factors, such as age and previous stroke, are more likely to develop the disease. Also, researchers believe exposure to certain toxins, such as pesticides and air pollution. Now, researchers at the University of Rochester are providing further evidence linking Parkinson’s disease to the commonly used chemical, trichlorethylene (TCE). The study was published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease.
What is TCE?
TCE is a colorless liquid chemical that does not occur in nature. It smells like chloroform. This chemical can be found in many products and industries, including:
money dry inside
metal degreasing
in the wipes
dirt removers for clothes and carpets
lubricants
spray adhesives
You can be exposed to TCE by using a product that contains TCE or by working in an industry where the chemical is present. In addition, TCE can enter the water, air and soil around where it is used or disposed of, contaminating what we breathe, eat and drink.
Symptoms of exposure to high amounts of TCE include:
dizziness
headache
confusion
nausea
facial numbness
Previous studies have linked long-term exposure to TCE to an increased risk of kidney cancer, liver cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
TCE and Parkinson’s Disease
Dr. Ray Dorsey, professor of neurology at the University of Rochester and lead author of the study, said he and his team decided to investigate the link between TCE and Parkinson’s disease as they prepared to write their book called Ending the Disease. Parkinson.
TCE is a known carcinogen, it causes cancer. It is also linked to miscarriages, neural tube defects (including babies born without brains), congenital heart disease, and many other medical conditions. It has also been around for over 100 years and its toxicity has been known for at least 90 years.
Evidence from case studies
For this study, Dr. Dorsey and his team conducted a literature review. They compiled seven case studies of people who developed Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to the chemical at their workplace or in the community. Among these case studies is NBA player Brian Grant, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 36. According to the researchers, he was likely exposed to TCE during his childhood when his father was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Camp water supply systems were contaminated with TCE in the early 1980s.
The researchers also identified a marine captain who had served at Camp Lejeune and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 30 years later. The investigative team also shed light on the late US Senator Johnny Isakson, who worked in the Georgia Air National Guard, who used TCE to downgrade aircraft. Senator Isakson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015.
Currently, the international literature on trichlorethylene and Parkinson’s disease is limited to 26 studies based on a PubMed search. In view of the use and contamination of TCE and perchlorethylene (PCE), which are widely used in dry cleaning, and the increase in the number of cases of Parkinson’s disease, more research is needed. It is important to note that many people are not aware of their exposure because they have not experienced it and it happened years ago.
How can you reduce your exposure to TCE?
To reduce exposure to TCE, TCE and PCE should be banned according to the researchers because TCE “poses an unreasonable risk to human health. We don’t drive the cars or airplanes of the 1920s, when commercial production of TCE began, because engineers developed safer alternatives. Chemists can do the same.
Second, everyone, especially those living near contaminated sites, should be informed, contained and prevented from entering homes, schools and workplaces with inexpensive remedial measures. , similar to those used for radon (radioactive gas).
TCE has a number of known adverse health effects and several studies over the past few decades have suggested that exposure to TCE is a risk factor for Parkinson’s disease, although the exposure does occur.
For people seeking to reduce their exposure to TCE, most exposures to TCE occur through inhalation. Indoor air quality can be improved by increasing ventilation or using air filters with activated carbon, although more sophisticated systems used for radon reduction are more recommended. Since drinking water can be contaminated with TCE, the easiest way to reduce TCE levels is to filter drinking water using activated carbon filters. Whole-house water filtration systems can help avoid additional exposure when showering, washing dishes, or other household uses. Also, avoid using consumer products that contain TCE. Check that paints, stain removers, adhesives, cleaners and sealants, among others, do not have TCE in the ingredient list.
