Common Chemicals Linked to Liver Disease

Recent research indicates that everyday chemicals found in dry cleaning, certain adhesives, spot cleaners, and stainless steel polish may be associated with liver disease. The focus is primarily on a specific chemical called tetrachlorethylene (PCE).

Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California revealed that exposure to PCE was linked to a three-fold increased risk of liver fibrosis in adults. Their findings were published in the journal Liver International.

Liver fibrosis occurs when healthy liver tissue becomes scarred, impairing its function. While some fibrosis can be reversed, it marks the initial stage of liver scarring.

As the liver sustains damage or inflammation, liver cells engage in wound healing. This process can lead to the accumulation of excess proteins, including collagen, in the liver. Eventually, after ongoing repairs, liver cells lose their ability to recover, resulting in scar tissue formation.

The research highlighted that greater exposure to PCE correlates with an increased likelihood of developing liver disease.

The study analyzed blood samples from over 1,600 adults between 2017 and 2020, discovering that 7 percent had detectable levels of PCE in their systems. Those with PCE were found to be three times more likely to exhibit significant liver fibrosis compared to unexposed individuals.

Additionally, chemicals like PCE can gradually evaporate from dry-cleaned clothes into the air. There are also risks associated with drinking water, as PCE can contaminate it through spills or improper disposal, subsequently leaching into the soil and groundwater.

As the largest organ in the human body, the liver performs hundreds of essential functions daily.