Dry cleaning chemical PCE triples liver disease risk, study finds

Exposure to a common chemical used in dry cleaning and some consumer products has been linked to three times the risk of infection Serious liver diseasea new study suggests.

Tetrachlorethylene (PCE), which is also used in some adhesives, spot cleaners and stainless steel polishes, was associated with a three times greater odds of major damage. Liver cirrhosis In adults in the United States, according to research by the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.

A press release stated that cirrhosis is the accumulation of scar tissue that can develop into liver cancer, liver failure or death.

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The researchers also identified a dose-response relationship, meaning that greater exposure to PCE led to a greater likelihood of developing cirrhosis.

To arrive at 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.

Exposure to a common chemical used in dry cleaning and some consumer products is linked to three times the risk of serious liver disease, a new study finds. (Istock)

To measure exposure to PCE, they analyzed blood samples from 1,614 adults aged 20 and older between 2017 and 2020, and found that about 7% of the population had detectable levels of PCE. ChemicalThe statement stated.

Next, they studied individuals who had PCE in their blood and who showed significantly greater signs of liver fibrosis. Those exposed to the chemical were three times more likely to develop significant liver cirrhosis than those who were not exposed to it.

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“We were surprised that there were so many people in whose blood PCE could be detected, and that the association with liver scarring was so strong,” said lead author Brian B. Lee, MD, a hepatologist and Liver transplant A specialist with Keck Medicine from the University of Southern California told Fox News Digital.

“Because previous studies have primarily focused on people who are exposed to PCE on the job (for example, working in dry cleaning), I think people will be surprised by their exposure, even when they are not directly working with PCE.”

“There are undoubtedly other toxins in our environment besides PCE that are dangerous to the liver.”

The study found that people from high-income families were most at risk of experiencing 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 who work in dry cleaning facilities may also face elevated risks due to prolonged direct exposure to PCE at work.”

Tetrachlorethylene (PCE), which is used in some adhesives, spot cleaners and stainless steel polishes, has been linked to a three times greater odds of developing cirrhosis in US adults. (Istock)

Other health factors such as alcohol consumption and liver fat accumulation associated with obesity do not appear to contribute significantly to the incidence of liver cirrhosis when PCE is detected in the blood.

“Patients will ask, ‘How can I get liver disease if I don’t drink and I don’t have any of these drinks? Health conditions “It’s usually associated with liver disease — and PCE exposure may be the answer,” Lee said.

PCE risks and regulations

In addition to the risk of liver disease, long-term exposure to PCE has also been linked to neurological impairment, mood and behavior changes, kidney damage, and effects on growth and the immune system. Increased risk of cancerAccording to the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Short-term exposure can lead to upper respiratory tract irritation, Neurological symptoms (dizziness, headache, fatigue, weakness) and kidney dysfunction.

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Pregnant women Children are particularly vulnerable to developmental impacts, according to the EPA.

Under the Toxic Substances Control Act, the EPA has determined that a PCE poses an “unreasonable risk” under certain conditions of use.

Under the Toxic Substances Control Act, the EPA has determined that a PCE poses an “unreasonable risk” under certain conditions of use. (Getty)

In December 2024, EPA issued the final rule Restricting the “manufacture, importation, processing, distribution, use and disposal” of PCE for many applications.

In January 2025, the agency issued compliance guidelines for dry cleaning and active electrolytic cleaning.

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“In 2024, the EPA announced a ban on PCE devices for consumer and commercial uses with a 10-year phase-out — however, this ban is now being reconsidered,” Lee told Fox News Digital. “This current study provides data to inform policymakers.”

Study limitations

The authors note several limitations of the USC study.

Because it was cross-sectional and looked at PCE levels at a point in time, it could not prove a causal relationship between chemical exposure and liver fibrosis.

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The researchers added that the findings may not also apply to people in other countries, as the study only included American adults.

More research is needed to confirm a role Environmental toxins At risk of liver disease, the authors acknowledged.

The researchers identified a dose-response relationship, meaning that greater exposure to PCE led to a greater likelihood of developing cirrhosis. (Istock)

“There are undoubtedly other toxins in our environment besides PCE that are dangerous to the liver,” Lee added.

We hope this research will help improve patient outcomes.

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“Liver disease is growing in the United States at an alarming rate — the problem is that liver disease doesn’t usually cause symptoms until you have very advanced disease,” Lee said.

“Know the contributors to liver disease – chief among them alcohol, diabetes and Weight gain “It can help you know if you need to talk to your doctor about getting tested.”

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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 equipment manufacturers seeking comment.