A recent study published in Liver International reveals a significant link between exposure to tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a chemical commonly found in dry cleaning and household products, and a threefold increase in the risk of substantial liver fibrosis – excessive scarring of the liver. The findings suggest that even seemingly low-level exposure to PCE may contribute to liver damage, raising concerns about broader public health implications.
The Study’s Key Findings
Researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), focusing on blood samples collected between 2017 and 2020. Approximately seven percent of participants showed detectable levels of PCE in their bloodstream. This is notable because even this relatively small percentage correlated with a markedly higher incidence of liver fibrosis.
According to Dr. Brian P. Lee, hepatologist and lead author of the study, the correlation suggests that PCE exposure could be a critical, yet often overlooked, factor in the development of liver disease. “The findings suggest that exposure to PCE may be the reason why one person develops liver disease while someone with the exact same health and demographic profile does not,” he explains.
How PCE Impacts Liver Health
PCE enters the body through inhalation or skin contact, primarily from dry-cleaned clothing, spot removers, and industrial sources. Once inside, the liver attempts to process the chemical, breaking it down into harmful byproducts that trigger inflammation and scarring.
Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a toxicologist at MedStar Health, notes that these byproducts also damage mitochondria—the energy-producing units within liver cells—further accelerating tissue destruction. Chronic exposure can lead to cirrhosis and an elevated risk of liver cancer. PCE also accumulates in other tissues, including the brain and kidneys.
Who is at Risk?
The study revealed a striking pattern: individuals with higher incomes were more likely to have detectable PCE levels, potentially due to increased use of dry-cleaning services. However, exposure is not limited to affluent groups. PCE is present in many consumer products, including adhesives, stainless steel polish, and even soil and groundwater.
Practical Steps to Reduce Exposure
While the study’s findings are concerning, experts offer practical recommendations for mitigating risks:
- Air out dry-cleaned clothes: Allow garments to ventilate thoroughly before storing them to reduce PCE inhalation.
- Use protective gear: Wear gloves and a mask when handling products containing PCE, such as spot removers or paint strippers.
- Seek alternative dry cleaning: Opt for “green” dry cleaners that avoid PCE-based methods.
- Be aware of environmental contamination: Understand that PCE can persist in soil and groundwater, potentially affecting water sources.
The Future of PCE Regulation
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has already initiated a 10-year phase-out of PCE use in dry cleaning, beginning in 2024. This move acknowledges the chemical’s toxicity and aims to reduce future exposure.
Despite these developments, Dr. Jamie Alan, a pharmacology and toxicology professor at Michigan State University, emphasizes the urgency of raising awareness. “This is one of the first reports linking clinical complications with dose-dependent exposure.” While the majority of adults tested (93%) did not show detectable PCE levels, the study underscores that even minimal exposure can have significant consequences.
In conclusion, the study reinforces the need for heightened public awareness regarding PCE exposure and proactive measures to minimize risk. The link between this common chemical and liver damage demands attention, especially as environmental and regulatory changes unfold.
