Exposure to a chemical used in dry cleaning and some consumer products triples the risk of dangerous liver disease, a new study suggests.
Tetrachlorethylene, also often called perchlorethylene (PCE), which is also used in some adhesives, stain removers and stainless steel polishes, has been linked to a three-fold increase in liver fibrosis in US adults, according to research from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.
Liver fibrosis is a buildup of scar tissue that can progress to liver cancer, liver failure or death, according to a news release.
Dan Marino’s metabolic liver disease highlights a growing health concern
The researchers also found a dose-response relationship—meaning that higher exposure to PCE increased the likelihood of developing liver fibrosis.
For the findings, published in the journal Liver International, the team analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a nationally representative survey of the US population.
Read on the Fox News app
Exposure to a chemical used in dry cleaning and some consumer products triples the risk of dangerous liver disease, a new study suggests.
To measure the effects of PCE, the team analyzed blood samples from 1,614 adults aged 20 and older between 2017 and 2020. and found that approximately 7% of the population had detectable levels of the chemical, according to the report.
The team then looked at which individuals with PCE in their blood showed significant signs of liver fibrosis. Those exposed to the chemical were three times more likely to develop liver fibrosis than those not exposed.
Air pollution may play a bigger role in cognitive decline than anyone realizes
“We were surprised that so many people had PCE in their blood and that the association with liver scarring was so strong,” lead author Brian P. Lee, MD, a hepatologist and liver transplant specialist at Keck Medicine at USC, told Fox News Digital.
“Because previous studies have focused on people who are exposed to PCE at work (eg, working in dry cleaners), I think people will be surprised by their exposure, even if they don’t work directly with PCE.”
The study found that people from higher-income households are most at risk of exposure to PCE.
“People with higher incomes may be more likely to use dry cleaning services, which may increase their exposure to PCE,” Lee said.
“However, people working in dry cleaning facilities may also face increased risk from long-term direct occupational exposure to PCE.”
Tetrachlorethylene (PCE), used in some adhesives, stain removers and stainless steel polishes, has been linked to a three-fold increased risk of significant liver fibrosis in US adults, a new study has found.
Other health factors, such as alcohol consumption and obesity-related fatty liver accumulation, did not appear to contribute significantly to liver fibrosis when PCE was detected in the blood.
“Patients will ask how I can get liver disease if I don’t drink and don’t have any of the medical conditions normally associated with liver disease — the answer may be exposure to PCE,” Lee said.
In addition to the risk of liver disease, long-term exposure to PCE has been linked to neurological disorders, changes in mood and behavior, kidney damage, developmental and immune system effects, and an increased risk of cancer, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Short-term exposure may cause upper respiratory tract irritation, neurological symptoms (dizziness, headache, fatigue and confusion), and renal impairment.
A large study of diet drinks raises questions about their health effects
According to the EPA, pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable to developmental impacts.
Under the Toxic Substances Control Act, the EPA has determined that PCE poses an “unreasonable risk” under certain conditions of use.
Under the Toxic Substances Control Act, the EPA has determined that PCE poses an “unreasonable risk” under certain conditions of use.
in 2024 in december EPA issued a final rule restricting the “production, importation, processing, distribution, use, and disposal” of PCE for a number of applications.
in 2025 January the agency has issued compliance guidelines for dry cleaning and live electrical cleaning.
Click here to subscribe to our health newsletter
“In 2024, the EPA announced a 10-year phase-out ban on PCE for consumer and commercial use, but that ban is now being reconsidered,” Lee told Fox News Digital. “This current study provides data to inform policy makers.”
The authors noted several limitations of the USC study.
Because it was cross-sectional and looked at PCE levels at one point in time, it could not prove a causal relationship between chemical exposure and liver fibrosis.
Click here to download the Fox News app
The researchers added that the findings may also not apply to people from other countries because the study only included US adults.
The authors acknowledged that more research is needed to confirm the role of environmental toxins in liver disease risk.
The researchers found a dose-response relationship—meaning that higher exposure to PCE increased the likelihood of developing liver fibrosis.
“Undoubtedly, there are other toxins in our environment besides PCE that are harmful to the liver,” Lee added.
This research is expected to improve patient outcomes.
Test yourself with the latest lifestyle quiz
“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 very advanced,” Lee said.
“Knowing the risk factors for liver disease—besides alcohol, diabetes, and being overweight—can help you know if you should talk to your doctor about getting checked.”
Click here for more health stories
The study was supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the National Institutes of Health.
Fox News Digital has reached out to several PCE manufacturers for comment.
Original article source: A common cleaning chemical linked to an increase in liver disease in the US, scientists say