Parkinson’s Disease Secondary to Solvent Exposure
Parkinson's
Disease (PD) is a disabling
degenerative disorder. Occupational exposure to organic solvents and the
risk
for Parkinson’s Disease (PD) has been a topic of study for many years and recent medical evidence supports a strong association. Specifically,
Trichloroethylene
(TCE), an organic solvent known to be present at Camp Lejeune, was also
used
extensively in other military settings since World War I. TCE has a clear association
with long-term risk for Parkinson’s Disease.
TCE has been used in the military as a
cleaning agent for weapons, aircraft, and machinery. Its effectiveness in
removing oils, greases, and contaminants made it a staple in military
maintenance operations. Today, increased awareness of the dangers associated
with TCE has led to its phasing out in many military applications, and safer
alternatives are being explored. The
legacy of TCE, and the many hardship diseases it has brought to bear, serves as
a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and environmental
responsibility in all aspects of military operations.
Since PD is usually considered an
elderly condition, many veterans do not consider their military exposure to
solvents as a likely cause for the development of their PD, especially because
of the delayed onset of their symptoms in relation to their time in the
military. Due to the growing evidence connecting occupational exposure to organic
solvents and an increased risk for PD, it is very important that Veterans
suffering from PD be evaluated for a history of solvent exposure in in their military
service. Therefore, it’s also very important that Veteran advocates are acutely
aware of this connection. |
