A widely used cleaning chemical has been seen to boost the rise of Parkinson's disease, which is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world.
Cleaning Chemical Associated With 500% Heightened Risk of Parkinson's Disease
According to SciTechDaily, for the past century, trichloroethylene or TCE, has been utilized for degreasing metals, decaffeinating coffee, and dry-cleaning clothes. It contaminates Camp Lejeune of the Marine Corps, 15 toxic Superfund areas across Silicon Valley, and around a third of US groundwater.
TCE has been seen to cause cancer. It is also associated with congenital heart disease and miscarriages. Moreover, exposure to the cleaning chemical has been linked to a 500% heightened risk of Parkinson's disease.
Findings pertaining to the latter association were published in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease. The global research team behind the study postulated that TCE could be an "invisible cause" of the fast-growing brain condition.
In the research, the scientist detailed the prevalent usage of the cleaning chemical, the evidence that associates it with Parkinson's disease, and the profiles of seven individuals who developed Parkinson's disease after likely using or being exposed to the cleaning chemical.
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TCE: Toxic Cleaning Chemical
The solvent was widely employed across various medical, military, industrial, and consumer applications. It was used for paint removal, typewriting correction, anesthetization, and engine cleaning. Gizmodo reports that its peak usage across the US was in the 1970s. People who worked in such industries had the highest risk of TCE exposure. The same was true for those who were in the surrounding communities filled with TCE since the cleaning chemical can contaminate groundwater and soil.
Though domestic usage of the cleaning chemical has plummeted, TCE is still being employed for dry-cleaning and metal degreasing in the US.
Parkinsons' Disease and TCE
The link between Parkinson's disease and TCE was hinted at in studies from over five decades ago. In the intervening times, research among mice and rat models demonstrated how TCE enters body tissues and the brain. High dosages of the chemical were also seen to damage the cell's mitochondria.
In different animal studies, TCE was seen to selectively cause the loss of nerve cells that produce dopamine, which is a significant marker of Parkinson's disease.
People who directly work with TCE have a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. However, the researchers also warn that millions of individuals are unknowingly exposed to the cleaning chemical through contaminated groundwater, indoor air pollution, and outdoor air.
SciTechDaily notes that TCE can also evaporate and subtly invade workplaces, schools, and homes. At present, this intrusion is likely leading to the exposure of millions of people who either work in, learn in, or live close to former military, industrial, or dry cleaning areas to toxic air.
This vapor intrusion was first reported during the 1980s when it was observed to evaporate and intrude homes and, resultantly, elevate lung cancer risk. While millions of homes are being examined for radon, only a few are tested for TCE.
TCE Poses Public Health Threat
The researchers note that, for over a century, TCE has posed risks to workers, polluted indoor and outdoor air, and contaminated drinking water. They proscribe various efforts to cater to this public health concern. The researchers note that contaminated areas and indoor air can be remediated. However, considering how the US houses thousands of contaminated areas, these containment and cleaning processes must be accelerated.
The specialists argue that there is a need to dig deeper into how TCE contributes to Parkinson's and other conditions. The levels of TCE in various settings also reveal a need to closely monitor it. Such information should also be disseminated to those who work in or live near these contaminated areas.
They also call for an end to the usage of the cleaning chemical across the US.
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