Widespread Dry Cleaning Chemical Linked to Rising Liver Disease Cases in the U.S.

Widespread Dry Cleaning Chemical Linked to Rising Liver Disease Cases in the U.S.

New research indicates that exposure to tetrachloroethylene, commonly known as PCE, which is prevalent in dry cleaning and various consumer products, significantly increases the risk of developing liver disease. The study reveals a staggering threefold increase in the likelihood of significant liver fibrosis among U.S. adults exposed to this chemical.

Understanding the Health Risks Associated with PCE

Liver fibrosis represents the accumulation of scar tissue in the liver. If left unchecked, it can escalate to severe conditions, including liver cancer, liver failure, and ultimately death. This alarming connection was unveiled by researchers from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California.

Research Findings on PCE and Liver Health

In their investigation, published in the journal Liver International, the research team analyzed data sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. population’s health.

The researchers evaluated blood samples from 1,614 adults aged 20 and older between 2017 and 2020. About 7 percent of the sampled adults had detectable levels of PCE in their blood. Those exhibiting these levels were found to have three times greater odds of developing significant liver fibrosis compared to those without detectable PCE.

A Direct Correlation Between Exposure and Disease

Notably, the study highlighted a dose-response relationship, whereby increased exposure to PCE correlated with a heightened risk of liver fibrosis. Lead author Dr. Brian P. Lee, a hepatologist and liver transplant specialist at Keck Medicine of USC, expressed his surprise at the extensive presence of detectable PCE levels among the population.

Dr. Lee remarked that previous studies primarily concentrated on occupational exposure to PCE, leading to a broader realization that individuals may encounter risks even outside direct professional engagements with the chemical.

Socioeconomic Factors and PCE Exposure

The study also uncovered that individuals from higher-income households had a greater risk of PCE exposure. Dr. Lee explained that wealthier individuals often rely more on dry cleaning services, inadvertently increasing their chances of coming into contact with harmful levels of PCE.

While people who work within dry cleaning facilities face elevated risks due to prolonged exposure, this new insight emphasizes the importance of examining PCE exposure beyond occupational settings.

Impacts Beyond Liver Health

Beyond its association with liver disease, long-term exposure to PCE may lead to other serious health issues. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), risks include neurological impairment, altered mood and behavior, kidney damage, and a potential increase in cancer risk. Short-term exposure may result in respiratory irritation and neurological symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and fatigue.

Moreover, vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children, face heightened risks of developmental effects linked to PCE exposure.

Regulatory Actions Addressing PCE Use

The EPA has acknowledged the dangers associated with PCE. Under the Toxic Substances Control Act, the agency determined that PCE poses an unreasonable risk under specific use conditions. During late 2024, the EPA issued a Final Rule limiting the manufacture, importation, processing, and distribution of PCE across various applications.

Furthermore, in early 2025, the agency provided compliance guidance for industries reliant on PCE, particularly dry cleaning and electrical cleaning sectors. However, Dr. Lee noted that plans to ban PCE for consumer and commercial applications are presently being reconsidered amid ongoing research findings.

Study Limitations and Future Research

The authors of the study acknowledged several limitations inherent in their findings. The research design was cross-sectional, capturing PCE levels at a single point in time, which restricts the ability to establish a causal relationship between chemical exposure and liver fibrosis.

Additionally, the study focused solely on U.S. adults, suggesting that the results may not universally apply to populations in other countries. The researchers stressed that further investigation is necessary to explore the role of environmental toxins, including PCE, in contributing to liver disease risks.

Understanding Liver Disease in a Broader Context

Dr. Lee pointed out that liver disease prevalence is rising alarmingly across the United States. One of the significant challenges is that liver disease typically presents few symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. Identifying contributors to liver disease, beyond traditional factors like alcohol consumption and diabetes, is vital for public health. This research may pave the way for improved screening and intervention strategies.

As Dr. Lee concludes, acknowledging the possible impacts of environmental toxins like PCE on liver disease may prompt individuals to consult healthcare professionals about their risk and potential screenings.

The study received support from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the National Institutes of Health, reinforcing its significance within the public health discourse.

Fox News Digital has reached out to PCE manufacturers for comments regarding this research. As the findings continue to draw attention, the overarching hope remains that this pivotal research will spur legislative action and improve patient outcomes in the fight against liver disease.