Liver disease is often caused by drinking too much alcohol, having too much fat in the liver from obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol, or getting infected with viruses like hepatitis B or C.
But new research suggests that a common chemical found in dry cleaning and household products may also damage the liver.
A study from Keck Medicine of USC, published in Liver International, has found that tetrachloroethylene (PCE) could triple the risk of a serious liver condition called fibrosis. This condition causes scar tissue to build up in the liver. Over time, this can lead to liver cancer, liver failure, or even death.
PCE is a man-made liquid used for removing grease and cleaning clothes. It’s found in products like spot removers, glue, and stainless steel polish. It can also be breathed in from freshly dry-cleaned clothes or enter drinking water through soil or groundwater contamination.
In this study, researchers looked at blood samples from thousands of people across the U.S. They found that about 7% had traces of PCE in their blood. Those with detectable PCE levels were three times more likely to have significant liver scarring than those without. This was true no matter their age, race, gender, or education level.
The researchers also discovered a clear pattern: the more PCE in a person’s blood, the greater their risk. For every one nanogram per milliliter increase in PCE (a nanogram is one-billionth of a gram), the risk of serious liver damage went up five times.
One surprising finding was that people with higher incomes were more likely to have PCE in their blood. This could be due to more frequent use of dry-cleaning services. Workers in dry-cleaning businesses are especially at risk because they have direct contact with the chemical for long periods.
Dr. Brian Lee, the lead researcher, said this is the first study to clearly connect PCE exposure in humans to serious liver scarring. He explained that this could be a missing explanation for people who get liver disease even though they don’t drink alcohol or have typical risk factors.
PCE has already been linked to other health problems, including bladder cancer and blood cancers. Because of these risks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has started a 10-year plan to phase out its use in dry cleaning. Still, the chemical is found in many products and remains unregulated in some countries.
Dr. Lee stressed that PCE is likely not the only environmental toxin harming the liver. He hopes that the research will raise awareness so more people at risk can get screened for liver problems earlier. Finding liver disease early can give patients a better chance to recover.
This study shows that people can develop liver damage from everyday chemical exposure, even without the usual health risks. It’s a reminder that what we’re exposed to in our environment matters just as much as what we eat or drink.
If you care about liver health, please read studies that refined fiber is link to liver cancer, and the best and worst foods for liver health.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how to boost your liver naturally, and simple ways to detox your liver.
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