Dry cleaning solution found to be dangerous for the liver

Dangerous solvent: contact with tetrachloroethylene increases the risk of liver fibrosis by three times

According to TUT.AZ, scientists have discovered an alarming connection between the industrial solvent tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and serious liver diseases. The study, published in the authoritative journal Liver International (LI), indicates a significant increase in the risk of liver fibrosis even with minimal contact with this substance.

Specialists analyzed the results of a large-scale examination of adult patients, which used elastography to assess liver condition. This method allows determining the amount of scar tissue replacing healthy liver tissue during fibrosis. The results were shocking: even a low concentration of PCE in the blood increased the probability of developing fibrosis more than three times compared to the complete absence of the chemical.

Researchers identified a clear pattern: as the concentration of tetrachloroethylene in the blood increased, the risk of liver damage proportionally increased as well. To confirm the specificity of PCE's influence, scientists applied a "negative control" method, checking for a similar connection for a biomarker of general exposure to volatile organic compounds. Such a dependency was not found, which confirms the particular danger of tetrachloroethylene.

Researchers note that until now, PCE toxicity has been documented mainly among people working with this substance, as well as in animal experiments. The new study shows that the danger exists for the general population as well. Scientists call for additional research to accurately assess the risks and possibly revise environmental regulations regarding this substance widely used in metalworking and dry cleaning.