Conducted in the United States, this study examined records covering almost 19 million older adults and found that those living within about 500 feet (152 meters) of a dry cleaner had a 14 percent higher risk of developing the disease than people living farther away. The association became progressively weaker as residential distance from a dry cleaner increased.
The researchers say the findings support growing concerns about chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), chemicals widely used in dry cleaning for decades. These substances can contaminate soil and groundwater and may remain in the environment for many years, including around premises that are no longer operating as dry cleaners. The association was particularly strong among Parkinson’s patients experiencing problems such as difficulty walking, impaired balance, falls, and cognitive decline.
Some parts of the United States showed a stronger association than others, including areas of Illinois, the Tennessee-Kentucky border and Dallas, Texas. The researchers suggest that differences in past contamination, geology, or local infrastructure could potentially help explain this variation. While the study cannot definitively establish that dry-cleaning solvents directly cause Parkinson’s disease, its findings strengthen existing evidence that exposure to environmental chemicals may be one of the factors contributing to the development of the condition.
To read about research suggesting that vitamin supplementation may help reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease and improve symptoms in people suffering from it, see this article on our website.
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August 28, 2026Living Near Dry Cleaners Linked to Increased Likelihood of Parkinson’s Disease
News
People living near dry cleaners may have a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, according to a new nationwide study led by researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.
[Source: medicalxpress.com]
[Image source: wikimedia.org]
Comment
Conducted in the United States, this study examined records covering almost 19 million older adults and found that those living within about 500 feet (152 meters) of a dry cleaner had a 14 percent higher risk of developing the disease than people living farther away. The association became progressively weaker as residential distance from a dry cleaner increased.
The researchers say the findings support growing concerns about chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), chemicals widely used in dry cleaning for decades. These substances can contaminate soil and groundwater and may remain in the environment for many years, including around premises that are no longer operating as dry cleaners. The association was particularly strong among Parkinson’s patients experiencing problems such as difficulty walking, impaired balance, falls, and cognitive decline.
Some parts of the United States showed a stronger association than others, including areas of Illinois, the Tennessee-Kentucky border and Dallas, Texas. The researchers suggest that differences in past contamination, geology, or local infrastructure could potentially help explain this variation. While the study cannot definitively establish that dry-cleaning solvents directly cause Parkinson’s disease, its findings strengthen existing evidence that exposure to environmental chemicals may be one of the factors contributing to the development of the condition.
To read about research suggesting that vitamin supplementation may help reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease and improve symptoms in people suffering from it, see this article on our website.
Dr. Rath Health Foundation
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