Overview
- Keck Medicine of USC analyzed NHANES data from 1,614 adults (2017–2020) and found that about 7% had detectable tetrachloroethylene (PCE) in their blood.
- Participants with measurable PCE had roughly three times greater odds of significant liver fibrosis compared with those without detectable levels.
- A dose–response pattern was reported, including a fivefold increase in the odds of significant fibrosis for each 1 ng/mL rise in blood PCE concentration.
- PCE is used in dry cleaning and certain consumer and industrial products, with exposure pathways including off-gassing from treated garments and contaminated groundwater.
- The peer-reviewed findings in Liver International arrive as the EPA’s previously issued restrictions and phasedown of PCE use are being implemented, and authors say the results support further research and screening considerations.