Chemical used in dry cleaning may be associated with Parkinson’s disease

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Author: Sarah McGrathPublished: 30 March 2023

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The chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) has been used across a number of industries: to decaffeinate coffee, degrease metal parts, remove stains and dry-clean clothing. It’s currently banned in the European Union and the US states New York and Minnesota, except for authorised industrial uses.

Now, scientists led by Dr Ray Dorsey in the US have conducted new research claiming that TCE could be linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s.

Published in the ‘Journal of Parkinson’s Disease’, the study investigated case studies of seven people who were exposed to TCE prior to a Parkinson’s diagnosis – including basketball legend Brian Grant.

The researchers “postulate that this ubiquitous chemical is contributing to the global rise of Parkinson’s and that TCE is one of its invisible and highly preventable causes”.

They called for the cleaning of TCE-contaminated sites and for indoor air exposure to be diminished – as well as for further studies to be conducted to understand TCE’s relationship to the condition.

Find out more about the study on TCE and its potential link to Parkinson’s disease.

To find out more about the latest Parkinson’s research, please visit the Parkinson’s Europe website.

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Chemical used in dry cleaning may be associated with Parkinson’s disease

News

Author: Sarah McGrathPublished: 30 March 2023

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Ask the expert: Can environmental factors cause Parkinson’s?

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Could risk factors for Parkinson’s disease be “largely man-made”?

Global update

Environmental Protection Agency bans pesticide linked to Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

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Chemical used in dry cleaning may be associated with Parkinson’s disease

News

Author: Sarah McGrathPublished: 30 March 2023

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Share this story

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Special reports

Ask the expert: Can environmental factors cause Parkinson’s?

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Could risk factors for Parkinson’s disease be “largely man-made”?

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Environmental Protection Agency bans pesticide linked to Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

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