Scientists from the University of Rochester and other institutions have uncovered new evidence that exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE)—a widely used industrial chemical—may be linked to Parkinson’s disease, a progressive brain disorder that affects movement.
The findings, published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, add to growing concerns that environmental toxins may play a major role in the global rise of this illness.
Parkinson’s disease happens when nerve cells in the brain that make dopamine—a chemical that helps control movement—become damaged or die. This leads to symptoms such as:
- Tremors (shaking hands or limbs)
- Muscle stiffness
- Slow movements, including trouble walking or standing up
- Balance problems
Other signs may include changes in speech, difficulty sleeping, loss of smell, and mood issues like depression. There is no known cure, but medications and lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.
The exact cause of Parkinson’s is not fully known, but scientists believe it results from a mix of genetic factors and environmental exposures—such as chemicals and pollutants.
TCE is a chemical used since the early 20th century for cleaning metal parts, dry cleaning clothes, and even removing caffeine from coffee. Though its use has declined in some industries, it’s still present in many places and is a known environmental contaminant.
It can leak into soil and water, and even evaporate into the air, entering homes, workplaces, and schools without people knowing. People can be exposed through drinking water, breathing contaminated air, or touching polluted surfaces.
TCE was first linked to Parkinson’s over 50 years ago, but now, new research confirms the risks are much higher than once thought.
Researchers, led by Dr. Dorsey Ray and his team, reviewed past studies and analyzed seven cases of people who developed Parkinson’s after being exposed to TCE. Their findings suggest that people who come into contact with this chemical have a 500% greater risk of developing Parkinson’s than those who are not exposed.
The study also highlights how dangerous TCE can be—not just in workplaces, but in everyday environments. Because it can travel from underground water into buildings, many people may be exposed without realizing it.
The link between TCE and Parkinson’s raises serious public health concerns. Since TCE contamination can be prevented or cleaned up, this makes it a modifiable risk factor—something we can address through policy changes, better workplace safety, and environmental regulations.
Scientists believe this chemical could be contributing to the global increase in Parkinson’s cases, which makes it urgent to understand and reduce exposure.
How to Manage Parkinson’s and Reduce Risk
While there’s no cure yet, Parkinson’s symptoms can be managed with:
- Medications (like levodopa) to boost dopamine levels
- Physical therapy and regular exercise to maintain strength and movement
- Healthy lifestyle choices, such as good nutrition and stress management
- Support groups and counseling for emotional and mental well-being
To reduce exposure to TCE and similar chemicals, experts suggest:
- Improving workplace safety and protective gear in industrial settings
- Testing and cleaning up contaminated water and soil
- Increasing public awareness of environmental health risks
This study sheds new light on how chemicals in our environment can affect brain health. It emphasizes the need for further research and stronger regulations to protect communities from hidden toxic exposures. If proven in larger studies, the link between TCE and Parkinson’s could help prevent future cases of this life-changing disease.
Understanding and controlling environmental risks like TCE may be key in slowing down or stopping the rise of Parkinson’s disease—and protecting brain health for generations to come.
If you care about Parkinson’s disease, please read studies that Vitamin B may slow down cognitive decline, and Mediterranean diet could help lower risk of Parkinson’s.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline, and results showing Plant-based diets could protect cognitive health from air pollution.
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