<
https://www.sciencealert.com/dry-cleaning-chemical-could-be-major-cause-of-parkinsons-scientists-warn>
'The chemical trichloroethylene (TCE), once used widely in everything from
producing decaf coffee to typewriter correction fluids, has been highlighted in
a new study as potentially being a significant cause of many cases of
Parkinson's disease.
Having already been associated with increased risks of cancer and miscarriages,
TCE isn't used as widely as it once was, but the researchers behind the new
report suggest that its role in Parkinson's disease has been largely
overlooked.
They pull together evidence of the extent to which TCE has been used in
industrial processes, review previous studies linking the chemical with
Parkinson's, and investigate several cases where TCE and the disease could well
be linked.
"TCE is a simple, six-atom molecule that can decaffeinate coffee, degrease
metal parts, and dry clean clothes," write the researchers in their published
paper. "The colorless chemical was first linked to Parkinsonism in 1969."
The use of TCE peaked in the 1970s, when around 10 million people in the US
would have had contact with the chemical or something similar every day. It was
being used to do everything from clean engines to anesthetize patients.
While TCE use is now much more restricted in the EU and certain US states,
globally it continues to be in demand, particularly from China. Even in areas
where the chemical is banned, the researchers argue, we're still being exposed
to it due to the ongoing contamination of water and soil.'
Via Rixty Dixet.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
