Scientists warn: exposure to a common chemical may be the cause of Parkinson’s disease

Scientists warn that exposure to chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) could be a significant cause of Parkinson’s disease. The study, published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, highlights TCE, a formerly widely used chemical in products ranging from coffee decaffeination to correction fluid, as a potentially major contributor to the disease’s development. Researchers are investigating the extent of TCE usage in industrial processes and reviewing previous studies linking the chemical to Parkinson’s.

TCE was first associated with the disease in 1969. Peak usage occurred in the 1970s, with approximately 10 million people in the US exposed daily. While TCE use is now restricted in the European Union and certain US states, ongoing demand, particularly in China, continues.

Evidence suggests a link between TCE exposure and increased risk of Parkinson’s. A 2011 study involving 198 twins indicated that individuals exposed to TCE had five times the risk of developing the disease. The time between exposure and the onset of Parkinson’s can span decades.

The study’s authors advocate for a complete ban on TCE and related chemicals, alongside remediation efforts in areas with past exposure. They note the rising incidence of Parkinson’s disease – which has more than doubled in the last 30 years and is projected to double again by 2040 – and suggest that TCE may be a contributing factor to increased susceptibility.

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