A new study has found that a common industrial chemical called trichloroethylene, or TCE for short, may raise the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a brain disorder that gets worse over time and mainly affects how people move.
This research, done by scientists from the University of Rochester and other groups, adds to growing concerns that toxic chemicals in our environment may play a major role in this illness.
Parkinson’s disease happens when brain cells that produce a chemical called dopamine start to die. Dopamine is important because it helps the brain control movement. When dopamine levels drop, people may develop symptoms like shaking hands, stiff muscles, and slower movements.
They might have trouble walking, standing up, or keeping their balance. Other symptoms can include changes in voice, problems with sleep, loss of smell, and feelings of sadness or depression. There is no cure yet, but certain medicines, exercise, and healthy habits can help people manage the symptoms.
The exact cause of Parkinson’s is still not clear. Doctors and scientists believe that both genes and environmental factors play a part. Over the years, some chemicals have been suspected to increase the risk of Parkinson’s. One of these is TCE.
TCE has been used since the early 1900s for cleaning metal parts in factories, removing stains from clothes in dry cleaning, and even taking the caffeine out of coffee. Today, its use is less common, but it’s still found in many places.
The problem is that TCE is a strong pollutant. It can leak into the ground, mix with underground water, and even rise into the air inside buildings. This means people can be exposed to it at home, at work, or in schools—often without even knowing it. People might breathe it in, drink it in water, or touch it through contaminated surfaces.
TCE was first linked to Parkinson’s about 50 years ago. But now, new findings make that link stronger. A team led by Dr. Ray Dorsey reviewed old research and closely examined seven people who got Parkinson’s after coming into contact with TCE.
Their work showed that people exposed to TCE had a much higher risk—five times greater—of developing Parkinson’s than those who were not exposed.
This is worrying because TCE is still around us, especially in places where factories used to be or where the ground or water has been polluted. It’s not just a workplace issue anymore; anyone could be at risk if they live or work in areas with hidden TCE contamination.
The good news is that this is a risk we can do something about. If we improve safety rules at work, clean up polluted areas, and raise public awareness, we can reduce exposure to this chemical. Since TCE can be controlled or removed, it gives us a real chance to prevent some future cases of Parkinson’s disease.
Experts say that more studies are needed to confirm the connection between TCE and Parkinson’s in large groups of people. But the evidence we have now is already strong enough to push for better environmental protections.
With Parkinson’s disease becoming more common around the world, we need to look closely at things like TCE that may be making the problem worse.
Protecting people from harmful chemicals may be one of the best ways to keep our brains healthy and reduce the number of people who get Parkinson’s in the future. This study is an important step in that direction.
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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