Exposure to certain industrial chemicals – industrial solvents trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene – could mean up to nine times the risk of developing the movement disorder Parkinson’s disease, according to a new study published in the Annals of Neurology.
Researchers at the Parkinson’s Institute in Sunnyvale, California looked at 99 sets of twins where one twin had developed Parkinson’s while the other twin had not. Reviewing their lifestyle and work histories, the researchers found that exposure to either TCE or PERC significantly increased the risk of developing the disorder.
"The potential importance is great, since both solvents persist in the environment and are commonly used," said lead author Dr. Samuel Goldman. "Parkinson’s was sixfold more common in twins exposed to TCE, and ninefold more common in twins exposed to TCE or PERC."
Both TCE and PERC are also used outside of industrial settings: TCE is a common groundwater contaminant and was previously used as an anesthetic, while PERC is the most commonly-used chemical in the dry cleaning process.
Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative disorder that begins with tremor, stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance and can progress to difficulty walking, speaking or completing other activities of daily living.