Solvent linked to Parkinson’s

An industrial chemical once widely used in dry cleaning solutions, paints and adhesives has been linked to a six-fold increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.

Scientists made the connection after analysing data on 99 sets of twins. One twin in each pair had Parkinson’s and the other did not.

The US researchers studied information about the twins’ lifetime exposures to six solvents previously associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the medical literature.

A significant link was found with one, trichloroethylene (TCE). Exposure to the chemical produced a more than six-fold increased likelihood.

Samuel Goldman, from the Parkinson’s Institute in Sunnyvale, California, said: “Our study confirms that common environmental contaminants may increase the risk of developing PD, which has considerable public health implications.”

TCE is now largely banned around the world but continues to be used as a degreasing agent. The chemical is known to contaminate soil, groundwater and air.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s may occur up to 40 years after exposure to TCE, said the scientists.