Common dry-cleaning chemical linked to triple the risk of liver scarring
A new study from Keck Medicine of USC suggests that exposure to tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a chemical used in dry cleaning, is linked to a tripled risk of liver fibrosis. Researchers found a direct correlation between the amount of PCE in the blood and the severity of liver scarring.
Why it matters
This research identifies a previously underreported environmental risk factor for liver disease, potentially impacting public health guidelines for chemical exposure.
Liver disease is most often associated with a handful of familiar causes. These include heavy alcohol use, fat accumulation in the liver connected to obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol, as well as infections with hepatitis B or C.
But new research suggests that an environmental chemical may deserve more attention as another possible risk factor.
A study published in Liver International by researchers at Keck Medicine of USC found that exposure to tetrachloroethylene, commonly known as PCE, may be linked to serious liver damage. PCE is widely used in dry cleaning and can also be found in consumer products including arts and crafts adhesives, spot removers and stainless steel polish.
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