Trichloroethylene (TCE), a chemical found in common cleaning products, industrial solvents, and even dry-cleaning processes, has long been a topic of concern for public health experts. New research suggests that this widely used compound could play a major role in the increasing prevalence of Parkinson’s disease, a progressive brain disorder. Studies indicate that exposure to TCE could raise the risk of Parkinson’s by a staggering 500%, making it one of the most concerning environmental threats to human health today. Understanding the impact of TCE and its connection to neurological diseases is crucial as this chemical continues to be found in a wide range of settings.
Trichloroethylene: A Silent Pollutant in Our Environment

Trichloroethylene, or TCE, has been used for more than a century in a variety of applications, from cleaning and degreasing metal parts to decaffeinating coffee. Its versatility and effectiveness made it a popular choice in industries ranging from manufacturing to dry cleaning. However, over the decades, it has become a pervasive environmental pollutant. It is now found in numerous hazardous sites across the United States, including military bases and industrial zones. One of the most notable cases of TCE contamination occurred at the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base, where it was discovered that residents were exposed to TCE-laden drinking water for decades. TCE has also been found at Superfund sites, particularly in areas with dense electronics manufacturing like Silicon Valley, exacerbating its reach.
Unfortunately, TCE does not stay contained within the sites where it is used. The chemical can easily migrate through soil and groundwater, creating contaminated plumes that travel vast distances, threatening local water supplies. Even more concerning, TCE can vaporize and infiltrate homes, schools, and workplaces near contaminated sites, leading to widespread indoor air pollution that often goes undetected. As this vapor intrusion continues to affect millions, the potential risks to public health remain largely ignored or under-addressed.
A Closer Look at the Connection to Parkinson’s Disease

The connection between TCE exposure and Parkinson’s disease has been suspected for more than 50 years, but recent studies have brought more clarity to this link. Researchers believe that TCE enters the brain and body through the bloodstream, where it disrupts mitochondrial function and damages dopamine-producing neurons, which are critical for movement control. These neurons, when damaged, lead to the tremors, rigidity, and motor dysfunction that characterize Parkinson’s disease. Animal studies have shown that high doses of TCE cause significant neurological damage, similar to the effects seen in Parkinson’s patients.
A major concern raised by experts is that many individuals may unknowingly be exposed to TCE. While people who work directly with the chemical in industrial settings have a higher risk, millions more could be affected by environmental exposure. Living near contaminated water sources or former industrial sites increases the likelihood of being exposed to toxic vapors, which can accumulate in homes without warning. This form of vapor intrusion, though similar to the risks posed by radon, has received far less attention, and public health measures to mitigate it are still in the early stages.
Real-Life Cases and the Long Road to Diagnosis

One of the challenges in linking TCE exposure to Parkinson’s disease is the long latency period between exposure and symptom onset. In some cases, decades have passed between the time individuals were exposed to TCE and when they were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The case studies detailed in recent research highlight this issue. For instance, former NBA player Brian Grant, who developed Parkinson’s at just 36, was likely exposed to TCE as a child while his father was stationed at Camp Lejeune. Similarly, Amy Lindberg, a Navy officer, developed Parkinson’s 30 years after being exposed to contaminated water at the base.
These cases underscore the difficulty in establishing a direct causal link between TCE and Parkinson’s, especially when symptoms don’t appear until much later in life. While the evidence is circumstantial, the consistent pattern of TCE exposure followed by Parkinson’s diagnosis in multiple individuals suggests a strong connection that warrants further investigation. The stories of people like Grant and Lindberg serve as a reminder of the hidden dangers posed by chemicals we often take for granted in everyday life.
Addressing the Ongoing Public Health Crisis

Given the widespread presence of TCE and its potential link to Parkinson’s disease, experts argue that more aggressive action is needed to protect public health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized TCE as a chemical that poses significant risks to human health, yet it remains in use today. Only a few states, including Minnesota and New York, have taken steps to ban TCE, while its use continues in other industries such as dry cleaning and degreasing operations.
To reduce exposure, scientists recommend implementing comprehensive monitoring systems to track TCE levels in soil, groundwater, and indoor air. Additionally, existing contaminated sites need to be remediated more quickly, and vapor intrusion mitigation systems should be adopted more widely to protect communities. Researchers also advocate for further studies to better understand the full extent of TCE’s impact on human health and to explore alternative, safer chemicals for industrial and consumer use.
The Widespread Presence of TCE in Everyday Products

While industrial sites and military bases are the most well-known sources of trichloroethylene contamination, the chemical also exists in many household products that many of us use regularly without thinking twice. TCE can be found in cleaning supplies such as aerosol cleaners, degreasers, spot removers, and even some carpet and upholstery cleaners. These products are used in homes across the United States, meaning millions of people could unknowingly be exposed to this toxic chemical on a regular basis. As people clean their homes or handle various consumer products, they may inhale vapors or come into direct contact with TCE without understanding the potential risks involved. Even though the use of TCE in household products has declined in recent years, its legacy still poses a significant health risk, especially in homes located near contaminated sites or areas with heavy industrial activity.
Global Implications: A Widespread Threat Beyond the U.S.

The risk posed by TCE is not confined to the United States alone. Around the world, trichloroethylene is still widely used in many countries for industrial purposes. In countries like China and India, where manufacturing industries are booming, TCE is frequently used in electronics production and other processes. The result is an increased likelihood of contamination in both industrial sites and nearby residential areas. As global industrialization continues to rise, so does the potential for widespread exposure to this harmful chemical. This makes TCE not only a national issue but also an international public health concern. Without coordinated global action to limit or eliminate the use of TCE, the problem could worsen, further jeopardizing public health on a worldwide scale.
The Importance of Public Education and Awareness

Despite the growing body of evidence linking TCE to serious health risks, there is still a significant lack of public awareness regarding its dangers. Many individuals who live near contaminated sites are unaware of the risks they face or the fact that TCE could be seeping into their homes through vapor intrusion. Public education efforts are essential to ensure that people understand the importance of checking for potential contamination in their environment. Information campaigns could help raise awareness about the dangers of TCE, how to identify potential exposure risks, and what steps people can take to mitigate these risks. Educating the public about TCE’s presence in common household products is also vital, as many people remain unaware that these seemingly harmless items could be contributing to long-term health issues.
Legal and Regulatory Challenges in Addressing TCE Exposure

One of the primary obstacles in combating the dangers of TCE is the slow pace of regulatory action. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has acknowledged that TCE poses a significant health risk, it has not moved quickly enough to ban its use outright. This slow response is largely due to the complexities involved in regulating chemicals that are deeply embedded in industries ranging from dry cleaning to electronics manufacturing. Lobbying efforts from industries that rely on TCE have also hindered the implementation of stricter regulations. As a result, millions of people continue to be exposed to this dangerous chemical. Advocates for public health are calling for stronger, more immediate action from lawmakers and regulatory agencies to reduce or eliminate TCE from industrial processes and consumer products, as well as to create policies that ensure rapid cleanup of contaminated sites.
Conclusion: A Growing Crisis That Demands Action

As research continues to uncover the alarming connection between TCE exposure and Parkinson’s disease, it is clear that urgent action is needed. The widespread use of this toxic chemical, its presence in everyday products, and its contamination of soil, water, and air pose a severe threat to public health. We must recognize the hidden risks that TCE presents and push for stronger regulations to limit its use and mitigate its impact on vulnerable populations. The continued exposure to this chemical, particularly in areas near contaminated sites, must be addressed through more rigorous monitoring, remediation efforts, and public awareness campaigns. Taking action now will help protect future generations from the devastating consequences of TCE exposure and its link to debilitating diseases like Parkinson’s.