Scientists from the University of Rochester and other research institutions have found new evidence that a widely used industrial chemical may be linked to Parkinson’s disease.
The chemical is called trichloroethylene, or TCE, and it has been used for many years in different industries. The study suggests that exposure to this chemical could be one reason why the number of Parkinson’s cases is increasing around the world.
The research was published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease and adds to growing concerns about how environmental factors may affect brain health. While Parkinson’s disease has long been linked to age and genetics, scientists are now paying more attention to chemicals in the environment that people may be exposed to without knowing.
Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects the brain and mainly impacts movement. It happens when certain nerve cells in the brain stop working properly or die.
These cells normally produce dopamine, a chemical that helps control smooth and coordinated movements. When dopamine levels drop, people may develop symptoms such as shaking, stiff muscles, and slow movement.
Many people with Parkinson’s also experience other problems. These can include trouble with balance, changes in speech, sleep difficulties, loss of smell, and mood changes like depression. The disease usually develops slowly over time and can become more serious as it progresses.
Although the exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is still not fully understood, scientists believe it is caused by a mix of different factors. Age is one of the strongest risk factors, as the disease is more common in older adults.
Family history can also play a role, and people who have relatives with Parkinson’s may have a higher risk. In addition, exposure to harmful chemicals has been suggested as another possible cause.
Trichloroethylene, or TCE, is one of these chemicals. It has been used for decades to clean metal parts, in dry cleaning, and even in the past to remove caffeine from coffee. Because it has been widely used, it can now be found in the environment, including in soil, air, and water.
One of the biggest concerns about TCE is that people can be exposed to it without realizing it. The chemical can leak into groundwater and then turn into a gas that rises into buildings. This means it can enter homes, schools, and workplaces without any smell or warning signs.
Scientists first suspected a link between TCE and Parkinson’s disease as far back as 1969. Since then, more studies have explored this connection.
Recent research suggests that people who have been exposed to TCE may have a much higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. In fact, some findings suggest the risk could be up to five times higher compared to people who are not exposed.
In the latest study, researchers reviewed earlier scientific studies and also examined seven individual cases of people with Parkinson’s who had been exposed to TCE. By looking at both large data and detailed case examples, the researchers were able to build a stronger picture of how this chemical might affect the brain.
They believe that TCE may damage brain cells over time, especially those involved in producing dopamine. This damage may not appear right away.
In some cases, people may be exposed to the chemical many years before symptoms of Parkinson’s disease begin. This delay makes it harder to identify the cause and may explain why the disease seems to appear later in life.
Even though the results are concerning, the researchers note that more studies are needed to fully understand how TCE affects the body and brain. They also want to learn how exposure can be reduced and how people can be better protected.
At the moment, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. However, there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Medicines such as levodopa can increase dopamine levels in the brain.
Physical therapy and regular exercise can help people stay mobile and maintain balance. A healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition and stress management, can also support overall well-being.
Support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals is also very important. Many people benefit from counseling or support groups, which can help them cope with the emotional and mental challenges of the disease.
Because exposure to TCE may be preventable, this study highlights the need for stronger environmental rules and safer work practices. Reducing the use of harmful chemicals and cleaning up contaminated areas could help lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease in the future.
This research shows that everyday environmental factors may play a bigger role in health than we once thought. By understanding these risks, scientists and governments can work together to protect public health and reduce the number of people affected by serious diseases like Parkinson’s.
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.
The research findings can be found in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease.
Copyright © 2026 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
