TCE ☹

This morning, I came across an article discussing new information about the increase in cases of Parkinson’s disease and the possible risks posed by a common chemical that I want to share with you.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a chemical solvent found in industrial degreasers, brake cleaner and refrigerants [1]. In our homes, it can be found in carpet cleaners, car care products, general cleaning products, cleaning wipes and paint removers [1]. Your dry cleaner may also use it! Minnesota was the first state to ban the use of the chemical in 2020.

This dangerous chemical is one of the most prolific in our environment due to widespread industrial use. It is thought to be responsible for for liver and kidney cancers, disruption of fetal development, reproductive issues, immune and endocrine problems, and neurotoxicity [3]. Most recently, it was found that exposure to this chemical is also thought to be a risk for Parkinson’s disease [2].

Parkinson’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder and involves not only the physically visible symptoms, but also dementia, cognitive changes, sleep issues, psychological changes and pain [3]. You may be more likely to develop PD if you have inherited certain genetic traits, however it is thought that you need a chemical trigger to cause PD [3].

PD is typically thought to be associated with aging, but researchers have noticed that the rate of increase in cases have been higher than the rate of aging. This led researchers to look for other factors that may be contributing to the trend... and they found one. The increase in PD seems to be primarily in industrialized nations, possibly implicating some byproduct of industry [3].

We are most exposed to TCE in the air (it evaporates easily) or through contaminated ground water. TCE can most impact the brain of a developing fetus, newborn or child. It is transferred through the placenta and breastmilk [3]. Those who are exposed during industrial work are most at risk.

The EPA has a report including all of the types of products that contain TCE. You can view it here. When checking the labels of the products, be aware the TCE has several other names including: tricolor, trike, or tri. Its Chemical Abstract Service number is 79-01-6.

[1] Trichloroethylene (TCE). National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/trichloroethylene

[2] Trichloroethylene. Hazard Summary. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/trichloroethylene.pdf

[3] De Miranda BR , Greenamyre JT . Trichloroethylene, a ubiquitous environmental contaminant in the risk for Parkinson's disease. Environ Sci Process Impacts. 2020 Mar 1;22(3):543-554. doi: 10.1039/c9em00578a. Epub 2020 Jan 30. PMID: 31996877; PMCID: PMC7941732.