In December 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a plan to limit and eventually ban the use of trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), widely used industrial chemicals linked to serious health issues, including Parkinson’s disease. This decision represents a significant victory for patients, public health researchers, healthcare professionals, and every US citizen. Many have long advocated for environmental regulations of TCE, PCE, and other similar chemicals due to known risks of central nervous system damage as well as several types of cancer.
The connection between TCE exposure to humans and Parkinson’s disease was demonstrated by a 2023 cohort study involving veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune. Between the 1950s and 1980s, the water supply at the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base was contaminated with TCE and other hazardous chemicals; the study revealed that exposure to this contamination left veterans with a 70% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those stationed elsewhere.1 TCE exposure is known to lead to toxic effects on mitochondria, resulting in increased oxidative stress and, eventually, cell death of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.1,3,4
The EPA’s TCE ban builds on prevention efforts of the first-ever national drinking water standard, finalized in April 2024, protecting communities from exposure to harmful per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as ‘forever chemicals.’ PFAS chemical exposures have been linked to PD, Alzheimer’s disease, and ADHD.2 These chemicals exert damaging effects by disrupting the blood-brain barrier, altering neurotransmitter levels, including dopamine, and promoting the aggregation of α-synuclein, known to be associated with the pathology of Parkinson’s disease and related conditions.
While notable progress has been made with the EPA’s recent drinking water regulations and ban on TCE, work remains in mitigation of environmental health risks. Other chemicals, such as herbicides, paraquat and glyphosate, continue to be utilized in the U.S., despite evidence of increased risk of Parkinson’s and other serious health conditions. 4,5 Additionally, emerging research suggests that environmental factors like air pollution and microplastics may contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease and other chronic health conditions. Neurotoxicity, inflammation, and microglia activation have been demonstrated with exposure studies of particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 µm or less (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).3,4 Nanoplastics can also cross the blood-brain barrier, damaging neurons by leading to lysosomal impairment that slows the degradation of aggregated α-synuclein.6
Given the various sources of toxins individuals encounter daily, mitigating or preventing toxic exposures may be advisable. According to the EPA and the book “Ending Parkinson’s Disease,” individuals can minimize exposure to environmental toxins and potentially reduce the risk of Parkinson’s and other chronic health conditions by:
- Reducing the use of household products containing harmful solvents and chemicals.
- Washing produce thoroughly and/or choose organic produce.
- Monitoring air quality: Consider air purifiers for indoor use, avoid prolonged outdoor activities on high pollution days, and/or consider the use of masks to filter out particulate matter in areas of high pollution.
- Monitoring water quality. Consider the use of water filtration systems to reduce contaminants. Local water quality reports are available for review: https://www.epa.gov/ccr/ccr-information-consumers
- Reducing single-use plastic exposure: opt for bulk purchases; select paper or glass packaging whenever possible.
Tackling the multitude of potential environmental risks to health may seem daunting, but incremental progress continues. Every citizen can contribute to a healthier environment, both at home through lifestyle choices and in the larger community, by supporting local and national policies aimed at reducing exposure to environmental toxins. By joining these efforts, citizens can tap into the potential for reducing the burden of chronic health conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, for both current and future generations.
References:
- Goldman SM, Weaver FM, Stroupe KT, et al. Risk of Parkinson’s Disease Among Service Members at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. JAMA Neurol. 2023;80(7):673–681. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.1168
- Brown-Leung JM, Cannon JR. Neurotransmission Targets of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Neurotoxicity: Mechanisms and Potential Implications for Adverse Neurological Outcomes. Chem Res Toxicol. 2022 Aug 15;35(8):1312-1333. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00072. Epub 2022 Aug 3. PMID: 35921496; PMCID: PMC10446502.
- Krzyzanowski B, Mullan AF, Turcano P, Camerucci E, Bower JH, Savica R. Air Pollution and Parkinson Disease in a Population-Based Study. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(9):e2433602. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.33602
- Dorsey ER, De Miranda BR, Horsager J, Borghammer P. The Body, the Brain, the Environment, and Parkinson’s Disease. J Parkinsons Dis. 2024;14(3):363-381. doi: 10.3233/JPD-240019. PMID: 38607765; PMCID: PMC11091648.
- Bloem BR, Boonstra, TA, Elbaz, A. Vermeulen RCH. Glyphosate and neurotoxicity — a call for scientific renewal. Nat Rev Neurol 2024 Mar; 20(3): 131–132 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-023-00919-7
- Zhiyong Liu et al., Anionic nanoplastic contaminants promote Parkinson’s disease–associated α-synuclein aggregation. Sci.Adv.9,eadi8716(2023).doi:10.1126/sciadv.adi8716
As Director of Medical Affairs, Dr. Padma Mahant plays a key role in education and guidance on CND’s diagnostic technologies and provides case reviews for physicians while maintaining a private practice specializing in movement disorders. She also serves as Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology with the University of Arizona Medical School in Phoenix, Arizona.
Learn about the Syn-One Test®
