Living Near a Dry Cleaner May Increase Your Risk of Brain Disease
The study found that those living within 500 ft of a dry cleaners had an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease.
A study examining the health risks of living near dry cleaners has raised concerns about a potential link to Parkinson's disease. Led by researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, the nationwide analysis of Medicare records for nearly 19 million older Americans found a 14% higher risk of developing the neurodegenerative condition for those living within 500 feet of a dry cleaning facility.
The risk diminishes the farther someone resides from such a location. While the study reveals an association rather than definitive causation, it bolsters the notion that environmental factors, including chemicals from dry cleaning like trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene, may contribute to Parkinson's risk. The relationship between proximity to dry cleaners and the disease was strongest in specific regions, suggesting factors like historic contamination, geology, or aging infrastructure could play a role.
Dr. Umer Akbar, not involved in the research, notes that exposure to these chemicals, even without direct work, could pose a threat. He emphasizes that the findings support a broader understanding of Parkinson's as a mix of aging, genetic factors, and environmental influences, hinting that reducing certain exposures might one day offer preventive strategies.
The Parkinson's Foundation estimates over 1.1 million people in the U.S. are affected by the disease.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
