NIH-Funded Study Finds Link between Parkinson’s Disease and Occupational Chemical Exposure to TCE and PERC

A recent study demonstrated that repeated occupational exposure to certain chemicals increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease, which is a neurological disorder that can cause tremors, stiffness, and impaired movement. Symptoms may worsen to the point where everyday living becomes difficult.
 
According to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) press release, the study examined the occupational histories of twins in which only one of the pair had Parkinson’s. Because twins have such similar genes, the difference in the development of Parkinson’s can be reasonably explained by environmental factors, such as chemical exposure. Researchers found that two of six chemicals about which they collected information “posed a notable risk” for developing the disease: trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PERC).
 
“The potential importance is great, since both solvents persist in the environment and are commonly used,” said Samuel Goldman, M.D., M.P.H., who led the research. “Parkinson’s was sixfold more common in twins exposed to TCE, and ninefold more common in twins exposed to TCE or PERC.” In twins exposed to PERC alone, the data showed a tenfold increase in the disease.
 
TCE and PERC have the highest risk of exposure in jobs involving industrial work, industrial machinery repairer, and dry cleaning (where PERC is the leading chemical used).
 
This study, supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), was published in the November 14, 2011 issue of Annals of Neurology.
 
“EMSL Analytical, Inc. tests for both TCE and PERC in our industrial hygiene division,” states Joseph Frasca, Senior VP of Marketing at EMSL. “We have accreditations from leading regulatory agencies, so clients can be assured of the accuracy of our results.”
 
For more information on EMSL’s testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com, or email info@EMSL.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, food, and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulatory bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior VP of Marketing

EMSL Analytical Inc.

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com