Can a common cleaning chemical cause illness?
- More than 8.5 million people worldwide suffer from Parkinson’s disease.
- Researchers have linked Parkinson’s disease to exposure to toxins such as pesticides and air pollution.
- Now, scientists from the University of Rochester believe that a commonly used chemical called trichloroethylene (TCE) may also cause Parkinson’s disease.
more than
Doctors still don’t understand why Parkinson’s disease occurs. However, the disease has been linked to decreased levels of dopamine and
In addition, researchers believe that exposure to certain toxins such as
Now researchers from the University of Rochester are adding additional evidence by finding a link between Parkinson’s disease and a commonly used chemical called trichloroethylene (TCE).
The study appears in Parkinson’s Disease Journal.
TCE is a colorless liquid chemical that does not occur in nature. It is known to have a chloroform-like odor.
This chemical can be found in a variety of products and industries, including:
- Commercial dry cleaning
- Metal degreasing
- cleaning wipes
- Stain removers for clothes and carpets
- Lubricant
- Adhesive spray
People can be exposed to TCE by using a product containing TCE or working in a factory where the chemical is present.
In addition, TCE can leach into the water, air, and soil around where it is used or discarded, contaminating what we breathe, eat, and drink.
Symptoms of exposure to high amounts of TCE include:
Previous studies link prolonged exposure to TCE to an increased risk of infection
Dr. Ray Dorsey, professor of neuroscience at the University of Rochester and lead author of the study, said he and his team decided to look for a link between TCE and Parkinson’s disease while preparing to write his book, Elimination of Parkinson’s disease.
“One of my colleagues and co-authors on this paper, Dr. Caroline Tanner, told me about TCE and
he added:
“TCE is a known carcinogen — it causes cancer. It has also been associated with
abortion AndNeural tube defects (including children born without brains),Congenital heart disease and many other medical disorders. It has also been around for 100 years and has been known for its toxicity90 at least . ”
In this study, Dr. Dorsey and his team conducted a literature review. They put together seven case studies of individuals who developed Parkinson’s disease after exposure to the chemical from the workplace or the environment.
Case studies include NBA player Brian Grant who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 36. According to the researchers, he was likely exposed to TCE as a child when his father worked at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
Water supply systems are found in the camp
The researchers also profiled a Navy captain who had served at Camp Lejeune and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 30 years later.
The research team also highlighted the late US Senator Johnny Isakson, who served in the Georgia Air National Guard, who used TCE to downsize aircraft. Senator Isakson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015.
“Currently, the global literature on trichlorethylene and Parkinson’s disease is limited to 26 studies based on the PubMed search,” said Dr. Dorsey. Given the widespread use and contamination of TCEs and
“The seven individuals add to the existing literature – the largest of the three previous case series – and show the myriad of ways in which individuals can be exposed to the chemical through work or the environment,” he added. “Most importantly, most of them are unaware because they never knew about the exposure and it happened decades ago.”
In order for people to reduce their exposure to TCE, Dr. Dorsey has stated on a societal level that the United States should ban TCE and PCE.
He went on to say, “In January 2023, the EPA found TCE to ‘pose an unreasonable risk to human health.’” “A month earlier, it had concluded the same thing about personal consumption expenditures. We haven’t driven cars or flown planes since the 1920s, when commercial production of TCEs began, because engineers have developed safer alternatives. Chemists can do the same.”
“Second, the public, especially those who live near contaminated sites, must be informed, contained, and prevented from entering homes, schools, and workplaces with relatively inexpensive treatment systems, similar to those used for radon,” Dr. Dorsey added.
MNT I also spoke with Dr. Arianna Spintzos, PhD, a science and policy fellow at the Green Science Policy Institute, who was not involved in this study.
It’s not surprising that this study found a link between exposure to TCE and Parkinson’s disease, Dr. Spintzos said. And she explained:
“TCE has a number of known adverse health effects and many studies over the past few decades have suggested exposure to TCE as a risk factor for developing Parkinson’s disease even from exposure decades before the onset of the disease. The Department of Labor has even issued guidance on workers’ compensation acknowledging a link between exposure to TCE and Parkinson’s disease.”
For people looking to reduce their exposure to TCE, Dr. Spintzos said most exposure to TCE occurs through inhalation.
“
“In addition, avoid using any consumer products that contain TCEs,” Dr Spintzos added. “Check to be sure that any paint removers, stain removers, adhesives, degreasers, and sealants, among other products, do not have TCE in the ingredients list.”
