The Ubiquitous Chemical Driving a 500% Surge in Parkinson’s Risk
Bitesize: Uncover how the common chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) may be linked to a 500% increase in Parkinson’s risk, according to recent research. This post dives into TCE’s presence in our environment, its potential impact on brain health, and how tighter regulations in Europe and the UK might offer clues for protecting us all.
PARKINSON'S
1/30/20252 min read
Imagine a chemical so common it’s been used for over a century—to decaffeinate coffee, degrease metal parts, and even dry clean your clothes—that it might be putting your brain at risk. Trichloroethylene (TCE), once celebrated for its versatility, has now been linked to a staggering 500% increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Recent research from the University of Rochester casts light on TCE’s darker side. Not only does this solvent contribute to cancer, miscarriages, and heart issues in newborns, but it may also be a hidden trigger for Parkinson’s. TCE contaminates groundwater and soil at many polluted sites across the U.S.—from Camp Lejeune to parts of Silicon Valley—where it can seep into drinking water and even evaporate into the air we breathe.
The findings are both alarming and intriguing. Case studies featuring a former NBA player, a Navy captain, and even a U.S. senator suggest that long-term exposure to TCE—whether through work or environmental contamination—might lead to Parkinson’s disease years down the line. In animal studies, TCE has been shown to damage the energy centers of cells and wipe out dopamine-producing neurons, a key feature of Parkinson’s.
In Europe and the United Kingdom, TCE is subject to strict regulation due to its known health risks. Under the EU’s REACH program, TCE is classified as a substance of very high concern, meaning its use is heavily restricted and closely monitored. Similarly, the UK has imposed tight controls on its use and emissions, taking steps to further reduce its presence in both industrial settings and consumer products. These regulatory measures underscore the growing global awareness of TCE’s potential dangers and the need to protect public health.
With millions of Americans potentially exposed without even knowing it, calls for stricter regulations and faster cleanup efforts have never been louder. As scientists continue to explore TCE’s role in Parkinson’s and other diseases, one thing is clear: what we once thought was a handy industrial chemical might actually be harming our health in unexpected ways.
Stay tuned as researchers work to unravel this mystery and protect our communities from this invisible, yet preventable, danger.
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