Not everyone who is exposed to trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), benzene, or vinyl chloride will develop a health problem.
The effects of exposure to any chemical depend on when, how much, how long, and how you are exposed. It also depends on personal traits and habits.
The effects of exposure to any chemical depend on the following:
- When you are exposed (during pregnancy, in infancy, etc.),
- How much you are exposed,
- How long you are exposed,
- How you are exposed (breathing, drinking), and
- What your personal traits and habits are.
TCE is a simple, six-atom molecule that can decaffeinate coffee, degrease metal parts, and dry clean clothes. The colorless chemical was first linked to Parkinsonism in 1969. Since then, four case studies involving eight individuals have linked occupational exposure to TCE to PD.