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A pervasive chemical solvent used in dry cleaning, household products, and industrial applications is now being linked to a significantly increased risk of liver fibrosis, even in individuals with otherwise healthy lifestyles. New research reveals a concerning connection between exposure to perchloroethylene (PCE) – also known as tetrachloroethylene – and severe liver damage.
A recent study in 2020. The findings revealed that approximately 7% of participants had detectable levels of PCE in their blood, and those with exposure faced a threefold higher risk of liver fibrosis.
The study measured blood exposure to PCE and correlated it with signs of meaningful liver fibrosis – excessive scarring of the liver that can ultimately lead to liver cancer, liver failure, or death. Remarkably, this increased risk remained consistent across different demographics, including age, gender, race, ethnicity, and education level. “We were surprised that so many people had detectable PCE in their blood,and that the link to liver scarring was so strong,” explained a leading hepatologist at Keck Medicine of USC.
Interestingly, the research indicated that individuals with higher incomes were more likely to exhibit PCE exposure, potentially due to increased use of dry cleaning services. However, the study also highlighted the risk faced by workers in the dry cleaning industry, who experience direct and prolonged exposure to the chemical. Researchers also observed a dose-response relationship: for every one nanogram per milliliter increase in PCE levels in the blood, the chances of developing fibrosis increased fivefold.
While the analysis is observational and cannot definitively prove causation, it strongly suggests that PCE is an underestimated environmental toxicant. “The results suggest that exposure to PCE could explain why one person develops liver disease while another, with exactly the same health and demographic profile, dose not,” the hepatologist stated.
Where is Perchloroethylene Hiding?
PCE is a synthetic, colorless liquid with a wide range of applications beyond the dry cleaning aisle. It’s commonly found in:
- Adhesives and glues
- Brake cleaners
- Degreasers for metals
- Paint strippers
- Silicone lubricants
- Stain removers
- Water repellent products
Exposure to PCE primarily occurs through inhalation of contaminated air. The chemical can slowly release from recently dry-cleaned clothing, and it can also seep into groundwater from polluted sites, contaminating drinking water supplies.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies PCE as a probable carcinogen, linking it to cancers of the bladder, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.Further research has also established a connection between PCE exposure and an increased risk of liver cancer.
Regulatory Responses and Protecting Yourself
Recognizing the risks, the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule in December 2024 restricting the manufacture, importation, processing, distribution, use, and disposal of PCE, with a phased-out approach over the next decade. France has taken even more stringent action, prohibiting the installation of new PCE-based dry cleaning machines in close proximity to other businesses as March 1, 2013.
Notably, the study found that factors commonly associated with liver disease – such as alcohol consumption and obesity – did not appear to influence the progress of liver fibrosis in individuals exposed to PCE. “Patients will ask, how can I get liver disease if I don’t drink and don’t have any of the conditions usually associated with liver disease, and the answer could be exposure to PCE,” the hepatologist added.
This research underscores the importance of understanding the hidden dangers present in everyday products and environments, and highlights the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect public health.
