Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that mainly affects movement. It develops when nerve cells that produce dopamine slowly die.
Dopamine helps the brain control smooth and coordinated movements, so losing these cells can lead to shaking, muscle stiffness, slow movement, balance problems, and difficulty walking.
Many people also experience sleep problems, a reduced sense of smell, depression, and changes in their voice.
Although there is no cure, medicines, exercise, and supportive care can help people manage the condition and maintain a better quality of life.
Scientists have long believed that Parkinson’s disease develops because of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
While some people inherit genes that increase their risk, researchers are also investigating whether exposure to harmful chemicals may trigger the disease in others. A growing body of evidence now points to one industrial chemical in particular: trichloroethylene, commonly known as TCE.
TCE has been used for more than a century. It was widely used to clean metal parts in factories, remove stains during dry cleaning, and even decaffeinate coffee many years ago. Although its use has declined, TCE has not disappeared.
It remains in contaminated soil and groundwater in many locations, especially around former industrial sites. The chemical can also evaporate from the ground and enter buildings through the air, meaning people may be exposed without realizing it.
Researchers from the University of Rochester and other institutions have added new evidence that TCE may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Their findings strengthen concerns that environmental pollution could play a much larger role in brain health than previously understood.
The research was led by Dr. Ray Dorsey and involved reviewing decades of previous scientific evidence along with seven detailed cases of people who developed Parkinson’s disease after exposure to TCE.
The review found that people exposed to the chemical had about a fivefold greater risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared with those who were not exposed.
This connection is especially concerning because TCE contamination can affect far more than factory workers. People may be exposed through polluted drinking water, contaminated soil, or air inside homes, schools, and workplaces built near old industrial areas. Because exposure is often invisible, many people may not know they have come into contact with the chemical.
The encouraging news is that TCE exposure is preventable. Stronger environmental regulations, improved workplace safety, cleaning up contaminated land, and regular monitoring of water supplies could all reduce exposure.
Public awareness is also important so that communities understand the risks and support efforts to remove pollution.
The researchers note that larger studies are still needed to better understand exactly how TCE contributes to Parkinson’s disease. However, they believe the existing evidence is already strong enough to justify greater action to reduce exposure and improve environmental protection.
As Parkinson’s disease becomes more common worldwide, identifying preventable risk factors has become increasingly important. Reducing contact with harmful chemicals such as TCE could help protect brain health and potentially prevent some future cases of this serious disease.
The study highlights the importance of looking beyond genetics and considering the environment as an important part of Parkinson’s prevention. The research was published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease.
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..
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