Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive condition of the nervous system that mainly affects movement. It often begins with mild symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, or slower movement, which worsen over time. Balance issues and coordination problems also appear as the disease progresses. While the exact cause remains unclear, both genetics and environmental factors are believed to play a role. As per Mayo Clinic, there is no cure yet, but treatments including medication, therapy, and surgery can help control symptoms.Interestingly, now a new study has drawn attention to a possible environmental trigger which is exposure to a widely banned industrial chemical.Study Links Chemical Exposure to Parkinson’sResearchers have reported that long-term exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE), a chemical once common in metal degreasing and dry cleaning, may increase the risk of Parkinson’s. The study, published in Neurology, found that seniors living in areas with the highest airborne levels of TCE had a 10% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s compared to those in areas with lower levels.The findings became more striking in Oregon, where people living one to five miles downwind of a factory that used TCE showed a fourfold increase in Parkinson’s risk. “Long-term exposure to trichloroethylene in outdoor air was associated with a small but measurable increase in Parkinson’s risk,” said lead researcher Brittany Krzyzanowski of the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. She added that the research adds to growing evidence linking environmental exposures to the disease.What Is Trichloroethylene (TCE)?Trichloroethylene which is also known as TCE is a synthetic, colorless liquid that was widely used in industries as a degreaser and chemical ingredient. It could also be found in some consumer products such as paint removers and stain cleaners. The chemical is classified as a known human carcinogen, linked to cancers of the kidney and liver, along with immune and reproductive damage. People may be exposed to it through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.In the United States, despite restrictions on its use, TCE still spreads through soil, water, and air. Past studies have suggested a link between TCE and Parkinson’s, particularly among workers exposed in industrial settings. What makes this new study interesting is that it examined exposure on a population level across the entire country, not just workplaces.What Is Parkinson’s?Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that develops slowly. It often starts with subtle signs, like tremors in the hands, jaw, or feet, before moving on to stiffness, slowed movement (bradykinesia), and difficulties with balance or posture. Over time, facial expressions may fade, speech can become soft or slurred, and daily tasks such as dressing or walking grow harder.Other symptoms include muscle rigidity, changes in handwriting, reduced automatic movements like blinking, and problems with memory, sleep, or mood. While the disease can’t be cured, medication and, in some cases, brain surgery can help manage symptoms.Why This Study MattersThe research does have limitations. It focused mainly on older adults, so it doesn’t fully address risks for younger individuals or those with early-onset Parkinson’s. Air pollution data used in the study also came from a single time point, which may not capture lifetime exposure levels.Still, the findings bring weight to the theory that Parkinson’s is shaped not only by genetics but also by the environment. Previous studies have already brought light to the pesticides such as paraquat and general air pollution as possible risk factors. This new evidence places banned industrial chemicals like TCE on that list, pointing to the urgent need to understand how environmental toxins may influence neurological health.
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