Study Links Commonly Used Chemical to Parkinson's Disease

A new study published in JAMA Neurology provides strong evidence linking exposure to the chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) to an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

The study examined the medical records of tens of thousands of Marine Corps and Navy veterans who trained at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, where TCE-contaminated water was present from 1975 to 1985.

Veterans exposed to TCE at Camp Lejeune had a 70% higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to similar veterans who trained elsewhere.

TCE, a colorless liquid, was widely used in the 20th century for various purposes, including dry cleaning, decaffeinated coffee production, and as a surgical anesthetic.

TCE is a known carcinogen and has been linked to a number of other health problems, including liver damage, kidney damage, and reproductive problems.

TCE is persistent in soil and groundwater (in up to ⅓ of U.S. drinking water) and can be detected in foods, drinking water, breast milk, blood, and urine.