Could a typical cleansing chemical trigger the illness?

TCE is a colorless liquid chemical that does not happen in nature. It is understood to have a chloroform-like smell.

This chemical might be discovered in a range of items and markets, consisting of:

• business dry cleansing
• metal degreasing
• cleansing wipes
• stain eliminators for clothes and carpets
• lubes
• spray adhesives

People can end up being exposed to TCE by utilizing an item including TCE or operating in a factory where the chemical exists.

Additionally, TCE can seep into the water, air, and soil around where it is utilized or dealt with, polluting what we breathe, consume, and beverage.

Symptoms of direct exposure to high quantities of TCE consist of:

Previous research studies connect extended direct exposure to TCE to increased threat for kidney cancer, liver cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Dr. Ray Dorsey, a teacher of neurology at the University of Rochester and lead author of this research study, said he and his group chose to look into a link in between TCE and Parkinson’s illness while preparing to compose his book, Ending Parkinson’s Disease.

“One of my colleagues and co-authors of this paper, Dr. Caroline Tanner, told me about TCE and Camp Lejeune,” Dr. Dorsey informed Medical News Today. “She and her colleague, Dr. Sam Goldman — another (study) co-author — had conducted a twin study showing that twins with an occupational or hobby exposure to TCE had a 500% increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. The more I investigated the prevalence of TCE and its role in Parkinson’s disease, the more I (found) with no end in sight.”

He included:

“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 multiple other medical disorders. It also has been around for 100 years and its toxicity has been known for at least 90.”

For this research study, Dr. Dorsey and his group performed a literature evaluation. They assembled 7 case research studies of people who established Parkinson’s illness after direct exposure to the chemical from either the office or the environment.

The case research studies consist of NBA gamer Brian Grant who got a Parkinson’s medical diagnosis at the age of 36. According to scientists, he was most likely exposed to TCE as a kid when his dad was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

The camp’s water-supply systems were discovered to be infected with TCE in the early 1980s.

The scientists likewise profiled a Navy captain who had actually served at Camp Lejeune and was identified with Parkinson’s thirty years after.

And the research study group likewise highlighted the late United States Senator Johnny Isakson, who served in the Georgia Air National Guard, which utilized TCE to degrease planes. Senator Isakson was identified with Parkinson’s illness in 2015.

“Currently, the world’s literature on trichloroethylene and Parkinson’s disease is limited to 26 studies based on a search on PubMed,” Dr. Dorsey said. “Given the widespread use and pollution with TCE and perchloroethylene (PCE), widely used in dry cleaning, and the rise of Parkinson’s disease, more research is needed. We call for that.”

“The seven individuals add to the existing literature — the largest previous case series was three — and demonstrate the myriad of ways that individuals can be exposed to the chemical via work or the environment,” he included. “Importantly, most are unaware because they never knew about the exposure and it occurred decades ago.”

In order for individuals to reduce their direct exposure to TCE, Dr. Dorsey mentioned at a social level the U.S. must prohibit TCE and PCE.

“In January 2023, the EPA found that TCE ‘poses an unreasonable risk to human health’,” he continued. “A month earlier, it concluded the same about PCE. We don’t drive cars or fly airplanes from the 1920s, when commercial production of TCE began, because engineers have developed safer alternatives. Chemists can do the same.”

“Second, we should notify the public, especially those who live near contaminated sites, contain them, and prevent the entry of these gases into homes, schools, and workplaces with relatively inexpensive remediation systems, akin to what is used for radon,” Dr. Dorsey included.

MNT likewise talked to Dr. Ariana Spentzos, Ph.D., Science and Policy Fellow at the Green Science Policy Institute, who was not associated with this research study.

Dr. Spentzos said it is unsurprising that this research study discovered a link in between TCE direct exposure and Parkinson’s illness. She explained:

“TCE has a number of known adverse health effects and several studies over the last few decades have suggested TCE exposure as a risk factor for Parkinson’s disease even from exposures decades before disease onset. The Department of Labor has even issued guidance on workers’ compensation acknowledging a link between TCE exposure and Parkinson’s.”

For individuals aiming to decrease their TCE direct exposure, Dr. Spentzos said a lot of TCE direct exposure happens 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 mitigation are most recommended,” she detailed. “Since up to 30% of drinking water in the U.S. may be contaminated with TCE, the easiest way to reduce TCE levels is to filter your drinking water with activated carbon filters. Whole-house water filter systems can help avoid additional exposure through bathing, dishwashing, or other household uses.”

“Additionally, avoid using any TCE-containing consumer products,” Dr. Spentzos included. “Check to make sure that any paint strippers, stain-removers, adhesives, degreasers, and sealants, among other products, do not contain TCE in the ingredients list.”