Living near dry cleaners linked to increased likelihood of Parkinson's disease
People living near dry cleaners may have a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to a new nationwide study led by researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix.
A new nationwide research study suggests that individuals living close to dry cleaners may face a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The research, conducted by Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, examined Medicare records from nearly 19 million older Americans. The study found that those residing within roughly 500 feet of a dry cleaner had a 14% increased likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease compared to those living farther away.
As proximity to a dry cleaner decreased, the association diminished, indicating that the closer someone lived to a dry cleaner, the stronger the connection between proximity and Parkinson's disease. Lead author Dr. Brad Racette emphasized the significance of identifying environmental factors that may contribute to the disease. The findings align with previous studies linking long-term exposure to chlorinated solvents, such as trichlorethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), to Parkinson's disease.
These chemicals were commonly used by dry cleaners for decades, even after TCE was phased out and PCE became an alternative. The strongest association was observed among individuals with Parkinson's disease experiencing walking and balance issues, falls, and cognitive impairment, suggesting that environmental exposures could influence both the likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease and its presenting symptoms.
The study identified geographic regions in the United States where the association between living near dry cleaners and Parkinson's disease was most pronounced, including southeastern Illinois, the Tennessee-Kentucky border, and Dallas, Texas. While the study does not definitively prove a causal link between dry cleaner proximity and Parkinson's disease, it contributes to the growing body of evidence suggesting that residential environmental exposures may play a role in the disease's development and underscores the need for further research and environmental monitoring.
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