A team of scientists from the University of Rochester and several other research centers has been studying a chemical called trichloroethylene, or TCE, and its possible link to Parkinson’s disease.
TCE has been used for many decades in many common industries. It was often used to clean metal machine parts, remove grease, make decaffeinated coffee, and dry clean clothes. Because it worked well and was cheap, it became widely used around the world long before people understood its health risks.
Parkinson’s disease is a brain condition that slowly gets worse over time. It mainly affects movement. People with Parkinson’s may have shaking hands, stiff muscles, slow movement, and trouble keeping their balance.
But the disease does not only affect movement. Many people also experience sleep problems, loss of smell, mood changes such as depression, and changes in speech and handwriting.
These symptoms happen because certain brain cells that produce a chemical called dopamine gradually die. Dopamine helps control movement and many other functions.
For years, doctors believed Parkinson’s disease was mostly related to aging or family history. However, scientists now think the disease often comes from a mix of genes and environmental exposures. This means a person’s surroundings and the chemicals they encounter in daily life may also play a major role.
TCE has attracted attention because it does not stay only in factories. The chemical can leak into soil and underground water. Over time, it can spread into nearby buildings through the air. This means people may breathe it in at home, at work, or at school without knowing it. In some places, TCE contamination has remained in the environment for decades.
Researchers first suspected a connection between TCE and Parkinson’s disease in the late 1960s. Recent studies suggest that people who were heavily exposed to this chemical may have a much higher risk of developing the disease. Some research indicates the risk could be several times greater than for people who were not exposed.
In their latest work, the research team carefully reviewed past scientific studies and examined seven detailed cases in which individuals were exposed to TCE and later developed Parkinson’s disease.
These cases included workers who handled the chemical directly as well as people who were exposed through contaminated air or water. The scientists found patterns that suggest TCE may damage brain cells over time, especially the cells involved in movement control.
There is still no cure for Parkinson’s disease. Current treatments focus on reducing symptoms and helping people maintain their quality of life. Doctors often prescribe medicines that increase dopamine levels or help the brain use dopamine more effectively.
Physical therapy, regular exercise, and healthy daily habits are also very important. Many patients find support groups and counseling helpful for coping with the emotional challenges of the disease.
Because Parkinson’s cannot yet be cured, preventing possible causes is especially important. Scientists believe that reducing exposure to harmful chemicals like TCE could help lower the number of future cases. This may require stronger environmental protection, safer industrial practices, and more testing of soil and water in affected areas.
The study, led by researcher Ray Dorsey and his colleagues, was published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease. Their work highlights how environmental factors may influence brain health in ways that were once overlooked. It also reminds us that chemicals used in the past can continue to affect communities many years later.
As research continues, experts hope that understanding these risks will lead to better prevention strategies and safer living environments for future generations.
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 health information, please see recent studies about how wheat gluten might be influencing our brain health, and Olive oil: a daily dose for better brain health.
Copyright © 2026 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
