Could A Common Cleaning Chemical Trigger Parkinson's? What You Need to Know

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Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. In India, the prevalence of Parkinson's disease is estimated to be around 1.2 million. There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, but there are effective treatments available to manage the symptoms.

While the exact cause of Parkinson's remains unknown, there is growing concern about the potential link between exposure to certain chemicals and the development of the disease.

And that is exactly what we will be looking into, in this article.

Could A Common Cleaning Chemical Trigger Parkinson's?

Researchers believe exposure to certain toxins, such as pesticidesTrusted Source and air pollution can trigger or increase the risk of Parkinson's. Now researchers from the University of Rochester are adding additional evidence by finding a link between Parkinson's disease and a commonly-used chemical called trichloroethylene (TCE) [1].

What Is TCE? Are You Exposed To TCE?

TCE is a solvent that is used in many industrial and commercial processes, such as dry cleaning and metal degreasing. It is also found in some consumer products, such as paints, adhesives, cleaning wipes, stain removers for clothing and carpeting, lubricants etc.

The study found that people exposed to TCE had a four-fold higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The researchers believe that more studies are needed to understand the effects of TCE and other environmental toxins on Parkinson's risk [2].

Symptoms of exposure to high amounts of TCE include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and difficulty breathing [3].

What Is The Link Between TCE And Parkinson's Disease?

The link between TCE and Parkinson's is that people exposed to TCE have a four-fold higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Studies have found that TCE can cause cellular damage and inflammation, both of which are believed to contribute to the development of Parkinson's [4].

The risk of developing Parkinson's is higher in people who have been exposed to high amounts of TCE because their bodies have had more time to accumulate cellular damage.

What Are The Other Side Effects Of TCE?

As a known carcinogen, TCE can cause cancer. It can also cause miscarriages, neural tube defects (including babies born without brains), congenital heart disease, and a number of other medical conditions [5].

How Can People Lower Their TCE Exposure?

People can lower their exposure to TCE by avoiding products that contain it, such as paints, adhesives, cleaning wipes, and stain removers. People should also avoid activities that involve the use of TCE, such as metal degreasing.

Additionally, people should try to limit their exposure to air pollution, as it has been linked to an increased risk of developing Parkinson's [6].

On A Final Note...

People exposed to TCE are four times more likely to develop Parkinson's disease. Because their bodies have had more time to accumulate cellular damage, people exposed to high amounts of TCE have a higher risk of developing Parkinson's.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.