Living Near a Dry Cleaner May Increase Your Risk of Brain Disease
Summary
A new study shows that people living near dry cleaners in the U.S. may have a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The closer someone lives to a dry cleaner, the greater the risk appears to be.Key Facts
- The study looked at Medicare records for nearly 19 million older adults across the U.S.
- People living within about 500 feet of a dry cleaner had a 14% higher chance of developing Parkinson’s disease.
- Dry cleaners historically used chemicals called trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), which may increase the risk of Parkinson’s.
- TCE has mostly been phased out, but PCE can break down into TCE once underground.
- These chemicals can stay in soil and groundwater for many years.
- The highest risks were seen in areas like southeastern Illinois, the Tennessee-Kentucky border, and Dallas, Texas.
- The study shows a link but does not prove that living near dry cleaners causes Parkinson’s disease.
- Experts say the disease likely results from a mix of aging, genetics, and environmental factors.
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