Published in Liver International, the research found that exposure to PCE can triple the risk of significant liver fibrosis (scar tissue buildup). Over time, this scarring can lead to life-threatening conditions like liver cancer or liver failure.
What is PCE, and how are people exposed?
PCE is a colorless, man-made liquid widely used as a degreasing agent, most famously in the dry cleaning industry.
- Dry Cleaning: People are commonly exposed when the chemical slowly evaporates from recently cleaned clothes.
- Household Products: PCE is also found in spot removers, adhesive glues, and stainless steel polish.
- Contaminated Water: Spills or improper disposal can contaminate soil and drinking water.
Due to health concerns—PCE is classified as a probable carcinogen linked to cancers like bladder cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma—the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is in the process of a 10-year phaseout for its use in dry cleaning.
Key Findings of the TARGET-D Study
Dr. Brian P. Lee, a hepatologist at Keck Medicine of USC and the study's lead author, and his team analyzed blood samples from adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 2017 and 2020.
| Finding | Detail |
| Prevalence | About 7% of participants aged 20 and older had detectable levels of PCE in their blood. |
| Risk Multiplier | Individuals with detectable PCE were three times more likely to have significant liver fibrosis, independent of age, sex, race, or education. |
| Dose-Response | The risk is highly dependent on exposure level: for every one nanogram per milliliter increase of PCE in the blood, the likelihood of significant liver fibrosis increased fivefold. |
| Impact on Traditional Risk Factors | Traditional risk factors for liver disease (alcohol, obesity/fatty liver) did not appear to influence fibrosis when PCE was present. |
The Hidden Cause: Dr. Lee suggests that PCE exposure may be the reason some patients develop liver disease despite not having the typical risk factors (like excessive alcohol use, obesity, diabetes, or viral hepatitis).
Quote: "The findings suggest that exposure to PCE may be the reason why one person develops liver disease while someone with the exact same health and demographic profile does not," said Dr. Lee.
The researchers hope that this connection will lead to earlier screening and detection in patients with unexplained liver disease, potentially improving their chances of recovering liver function.
Disclaimer: This content is published only for health awareness and informational purposes. It's not a substitute for your professional medical advice. You must consult a doctor/healthcare professional regarding your specific health concerns.
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