Perchloroethylene-induced nephrotoxicity in dry-cleaning workers: is there a role for free radicals?

matched unexposed controls. The results showed a A recent study demonstrates that dry-cleaners chronicsignificant increase in a number of parameters (urinary ally exposed to perchloroethylene (PCE) show clear excretion of proteins, laminin fragments, glycosaminoevidence for renal damage [1]. PCE is a synthetic glycan, and tubular epithelial brush-border antigen) halogenated hydrocarbon. It is used extensively for indicative of PCE-induced early renal damage. The dry cleaning fabrics and for metal-degreasing operaauthors concluded that long-term monitoring is tions. PCE enters the environment when it is released required in PCE-exposed individuals for the possible to the air during handling or into the surface water development of chronic renal disease. during waste disposal. PCE has been found in at least