Common Chemical Linked to Increased Parkinson’s Risk, Study Finds
A new study published in the journal Neurology suggests that exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE), a common chemical used in degreasing and industrial cleaning, may be associated with a small but measurable increase in the risk of Parkinson’s disease. TCE is a chlorinated solvent that has been found in the air, water, and soil across the United States, according to researchers. The study, led by a team from the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, analyzed data from more than 222,000 individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s, along with over 1.1 million people without the condition.
The researchers found a nationwide relationship between ambient TCE levels and Parkinson’s disease risk, particularly in individuals living near TCE-emitting facilities. Dr. Brittany Krzyzanowski, one of the study’s researchers, stated that while the link between TCE and Parkinson’s has been established in previous studies, this study was the first to show a correlation between ambient TCE levels in urban environments and the increased risk of the disease at the national level.
TCE is regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act for its potential to cause liver cancer, kidney cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It has also been linked to damage to the central nervous system, immune system, and reproductive organs. The study highlights the role of TCE in the potential development of Parkinson’s, which has been a subject of ongoing research for decades.
The study authors noted that their findings are observational, meaning they cannot confirm that TCE exposure directly causes Parkinson’s disease. However, the research contributes to the growing body of evidence linking environmental factors to the development of the condition. Dr. Aaron Ellenbogen, a neurologist at the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders, acknowledged the findings as not new but emphasized the importance of considering environmental exposure as a significant factor in understanding Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Guy Schwartz, a neurologist at Stony Brook Medicine, pointed out that TCE is present in many everyday materials, including cleaning products, household items, and even in the air and soil. He warned that long-term exposure to TCE, even in small amounts, could lead to the cumulative effects seen in Parkinson’s disease. He also highlighted that other neurotoxins may contribute to the development of the condition, suggesting that the interaction between multiple environmental exposures and genetic susceptibility could play a role in Parkinson’s onset.
To mitigate TCE exposure, researchers recommend using air purifiers, filtering water, and avoiding plastic water bottles. Dr. Krzyzanowski encouraged individuals to check if their communities have TCE contamination and to participate in environmental advocacy efforts to address the issue.
The study, supported by the American Academy of Neurology and the Barrow Neurological Foundation, adds to the ongoing discussions about environmental toxins and their potential impact on neurological health. As the research continues, further studies will be needed to explore the relationship between TCE and Parkinson’s, particularly in younger populations.