Dry-Cleaning Solvent Linked to Increased Liver Fibrosis Risk
A national NHANES analysis links tetrachloroethylene (PCE), the dry-cleaning solvent, to a higher risk of significant liver fibrosis. Among 1,614 U.S. adults (2017–2020), about 7.4% had detectable PCE in blood; those with detectable exposure had over three times the odds of meaningful liver scarring, and each 1 ng/mL rise in PCE increased fibrosis odds by more than fivefold, with roughly a 28% absolute risk increase. The association persisted after adjusting for age, sex, race, education, and common liver risk factors like alcohol use and obesity. PCE exposure can occur via indoor air, groundwater, dry-cleaning and industrial use, and while the EPA is phasing it out over a decade, it remains in some settings. The findings underscore environmental toxins as potential contributors to liver disease and suggest a need for broader screening and further research.
