Parkinson's Disease Linked To Industrial Solvent Exposure

[tawadi]

Source: medicalnewstoday.com

Researchers studying twins found that exposure to the industrial solvent trichloroethylene (TCE), a hazardous organic contaminant used as a degreaser, is linked to a significant increase in the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Led by Drs Samuel Goldman and Caroline M. Tanner, of The Parkinson's Institute (PI) and Clinical Center in Sunnyvale, California, the international team write about their findings in the 14 November online issue of Annals of Neurology.

The team also found links between raised Parkinson's risk and exposure to perchloroethylene (PERC, also known as tetrachloroethylene), a leading solvent used in dry-cleaning, and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), formerly used in fire extinguishers, as a cleaning agent, and in making refrigerants.

TCE is used in industry to degrease metals and other materials, and PERC is the leading solvent used in the dry-cleaning industry and in degreasers and spot removers. As well as the exposure that occurs from working with these chemicals, you can also be exposed through using the dozens of household products like glues, carpet cleaners, spot removers and paints that contain them.

Read more: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/237618.php

[doc03]

1. In the early 70s we used tons of TCE in the mill

guys even washed their cloths in the stuff. When we would get our hands greasy we would wash them in a bucket of TCE. Several people I worked with have come down with Parkinson's disease at an early age especially ones that worked maintenance jobs where they were more exposed to it. .

[nebenaube]

2. Great...

I don't know anyone who has worked on cars for a living that hasn't practically bathed in it. Including myself.

[Igel]

3. My ma worked in a steel mill.

We had jugs of the stuff for home drycleaning. Handy for removing all kinds of gunk that I'd get on me and my clothes.

Most of the people my mother worked with died of things other than Parkinsons, are are still alive and afflicted with other kinds of problems. Like dementia.

[tawadi]

4. I'm sorry to hear they suffer from dementia.

That must be just as awful, if not worse. :-(