Study Links Tce To Parkinsons

1.8.2008 7:11 AM

Study Links Parkinson's to TCE Exposure Common Chemical Contaminant May Influence Neurological Disease A new study published in the Annals of Neurology has drawn a link between workers exposed to trichloroethylene, or TCE, and Parkinson's Disease. TCE, a common solvent, is used to remove grease from equipment, including computer equipment, during manufacturing. It is also used to manufacture refrigerants. It is among the most common pollutants found at Superfund sites around the country, and it has been found at low levels in urban air and in many drinking water supplies. The small study does not provide conclusive proof that exposure to the chemical can cause symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, but it draws a link based on studies of workers who were exposed to TCE in the air for 25-plus years, and who also dipped their arms into vats of TCE. 134 workers surveyed, 14 showed three or more symptoms