Exposure to common chemicals used in dry cleaning and some consumer products is associated with a threefold increased risk of infectious diseases. dangerous liver diseasenew research suggests.
Tetrachlorethylene (PCE), which is also used in some adhesives, spot cleaners, and stainless steel polishes, was three times more likely to cause serious infections. liver fibrosis According to a study from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, U.S. adults
Liver fibrosis is a buildup of scar tissue that can progress to liver cancer, liver failure, or death, the press release states.
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The researchers also identified a dose-response relationship. In other words, the greater the exposure to PCE, the greater the chance of developing liver fibrosis.
To arrive at the findings, published in the journal Liver International, the researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a nationally representative survey of the U.S. population.
To measure PCE exposure, they analyzed blood samples from 1,614 adults aged 20 and older between 2017 and 2020 and found that about 7% of the population had detectable levels of PCE. chemicalsstated in the release.
Next, we looked at which individuals with PCE in their blood showed signs of significant liver fibrosis. People exposed to the chemical were three times more likely to have significant liver fibrosis than those who were not exposed.
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“We were surprised that so many people had detectable PCE in their blood and that the association with liver scarring was so strong,” said lead author and liver specialist Brian P. Lee, MD. liver transplant A specialist at Keck Medicine at the University of Southern California told Fox News Digital.
“Previous studies have primarily focused on people who are exposed to PCE at work (such as working at a dry cleaners), so I think people will be surprised by their exposure even if they are not directly involved in PCE.”
Studies have found that people from high-income households are at greatest risk of PCE exposure.
“People with higher incomes are more likely to use dry cleaning services, which may increase their exposure to PCE,” Lee said. “However, people who work in dry cleaning facilities may also face increased risk due to prolonged direct exposure to PCEs at work.”
Other health factors, such as alcohol intake and obesity-related liver fat accumulation, do not appear to contribute to significant liver fibrosis when PCE is detected in the blood.
“Patients will ask me how can I get liver disease if I don’t drink and don’t have any liver disease? health condition It’s usually associated with liver disease, and the answer may be exposure to PCE,” Lee said.
In addition to the risk of liver disease, long-term exposure to PCE is also associated with neurological disorders, mood and behavioral changes, kidney damage, and effects on development and the immune system. Increased risk of cancerAccording to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Short-term exposure may cause upper respiratory tract irritation. neurological symptoms (dizziness, headache, fatigue, disability) and renal dysfunction.
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pregnant woman According to the EPA, children are particularly developmentally vulnerable.
Under the Toxic Substances Control Act, the EPA has determined that PCE poses an “unreasonable risk” under certain conditions of use.
In December 2024, EPA has issued a final rule Restricts the “manufacture, import, processing, distribution, use and disposal” of PCE in many applications.
In January 2025, the agency released compliance guidance on dry cleaning and live electrical cleaning.
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“In 2024, EPA announced a ban on PCEs for consumer and commercial use with a 10-year phaseout, but this ban is currently being reconsidered,” Lee told FOX News Digital. “This current study provides data to inform policy makers.”
The authors noted that the USC study had several limitations.
Because it was cross-sectional and examined PCE levels at a single point in time, it was not possible to prove a causal relationship between chemical exposure and liver fibrosis.
The researchers also added that because the study only included adults in the United States, the findings may not apply to people in other countries.
Further research is needed to confirm the role of environmental toxins The authors acknowledged that there was an increased risk of liver disease.
“There is no doubt that there are other toxins in our environment that are dangerous to the liver besides PCE,” Lee added.
It is hoped that this research will help improve patient outcomes.
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“Liver disease is increasing at an alarming rate in the United States. The problem is that liver disease usually doesn’t cause symptoms until it’s quite advanced,” Lee said.
“In addition to alcohol, diabetes, and liver disease, know the causes of liver disease.” being overweight — Helps you know if you need to talk to your doctor about getting tested. ”
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This research was supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the National Institutes of Health.
Fox News Digital has reached out to multiple PCE manufacturers for comment.
