Elderly people living near dry cleaning businesses face a 14 per cent higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to American researchers.
The increased risk was identified among individuals residing within approximately 150 metres of a dry cleaner, with the connection gradually weakening as the distance from the facility increased.
The statistical link was published in the medical journal npj Parkinson's Disease after researchers analyzed data from nearly 19 million older adults across the United States.
Investigators noted that the association was most pronounced in patients whose illness was accompanied by gait impairment, frequent falls, and cognitive decline.
Chemical Solvents in Soil and Water
Study authors linked the observed pattern to long-term exposure to chlorinated solvents, specifically trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE). Both chemical compounds were used for decades in dry cleaning facilities to remove dirt and stains from clothing.
These toxic substances can persist in soil and groundwater for many years, remaining present long after commercial dry cleaners have shut down. Perchloroethylene, often called perc, has historically been the standard cleaning agent in the dry cleaning industry, while trichloroethylene was widely utilized as an industrial degreasing agent and solvent.
Both compounds belong to a class of volatile organic chemicals that can evaporate into the air or seep underground through historical spills, unlined drains, and leaking storage units, potentially entering domestic water supplies or indoor air through vapor intrusion.
Statistical Correlation and Health Factors
Scientists emphasized that the study identified only a statistical correlation and did not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between proximity to dry cleaners and the onset of the neurological condition.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting the brain and central nervous system. It primarily impairs dopamine-producing neurons, causing motor symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement, and balance difficulties, alongside non-motor symptoms including memory loss and cognitive decline.
The research adds to ongoing scientific investigations into potential environmental triggers for neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated that early-stage Parkinson's disease can also manifest through subtle changes in a person's perception of smells.
