Khaberni - Researchers reported that a frequently used chemical in dry cleaning and consumer products may contribute to liver scarring.
The research team from the University of Southern California said, "Exposure to tetrachloroethylene may double the risk of serious liver fibrosis, an excessive scarring of the liver that could lead to cancer, organ failure, or death."
According to "Health Day", the results showed that the more exposure to tetrachloroethylene, the higher the likelihood of excessive liver scarring.
Uses of the substance
Tetrachloroethylene is used in dry cleaning for clothes, found in adhesives used in arts and crafts, spot cleaners, and stainless steel polish.
The lead researcher, Dr. Brian Lee, said, "This study, the first to investigate the relationship between human levels of PCE and serious liver fibrosis, highlights the unrecognized role of environmental factors in liver health."
The researchers explained that people are usually exposed to this substance through the air - for example, from clothes that have been dry cleaned, and it may also be present in drinking water from contaminated sites.
The most vulnerable group
According to the journal "Liver International", researchers found that those most at risk of exposure to tetrachloroethylene are from high-income households.
Lee said, "People with high incomes may be more likely to use dry cleaning services, which may increase their exposure to this substance."
However, people who work in dry cleaning facilities also face increased risks due to prolonged direct exposure to tetrachloroethylene at work.
Carcinogenic substance
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified the substance tetrachloroethylene (PCE) as a probable carcinogen.
Due to its toxicity, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched a program to gradually phase out its use in dry cleaning over a 10-year period.
In the new study, researchers tracked exposure to this substance among more than 1,600 adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2017 and 2020. Notable levels were found in the blood of more than 7% of the participants.
High risk rate
The study found that those who had this substance in their blood were three times more likely to suffer from significant liver scarring.
The study added that every increase of one nanogram per milliliter in blood concentrations of the substance increased the likelihood of liver scarring by five times.
