Scientists at the Barrow Neurological Institute have discovered, in a major study published in the journal Neurology, that prolonged exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) – a common industrial solvent used for metal degreasing and dry cleaning – may increase the risk of developing Parkinson`s disease.
The study analyzed Medicare data, encompassing over 220,000 patients aged 67 and older newly diagnosed with Parkinson`s, alongside more than a million individuals without the disease. Researchers used U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data to correlate local airborne TCE levels with the risk of illness based on participants` residential locations.
The findings indicated that residents in areas with the highest TCE contamination levels faced approximately a 10 percent greater risk of developing Parkinson`s disease compared to those in less polluted regions. Notably, the highest concentrations of the solvent were frequently observed near large industrial facilities.
While the researchers emphasize that this connection is associative and does not prove direct causation, they stress that the widespread nature of the contamination and the significant number of potentially affected individuals make this a critical public health concern that warrants further investigation and awareness.
In a separate study, scientists previously found that participating in theatrical performances could help improve the emotional well-being of individuals with Parkinson`s disease, offering an alternative avenue for support and therapy.
