Has anyone asked how their PBC was triggered by chemical exposure?
Yes, this is a common concern among people with PBC. Research has found connections between chemical exposure and PBC development.
Chemical exposures linked to PBC include:
* Working regularly with toxic chemicals
* Living near toxic waste dump sites
* Show Full Answer
Has anyone asked how their PBC was triggered by chemical exposure?
Yes, this is a common concern among people with PBC. Research has found connections between chemical exposure and PBC development.
Chemical exposures linked to PBC include:
* Working regularly with toxic chemicals
* Living near toxic waste dump sites
* Frequent use of nail polish
* Long-term exposure to hair dye
* Cigarette smoke (both smoking and secondhand exposure)
These chemicals may trigger inflammation in your body, which can lead to the immune system problems seen in PBC. The substances in these products, called xenobiotics, can change the structure of your body's proteins. Your immune system may mistake these altered proteins as foreign invaders and attack them, triggering an autoimmune response.
Protecting yourself:
If you're concerned about chemical exposure, talk with your doctor about:
* Reducing or avoiding nail polish and hair dye use
* Quitting smoking or avoiding secondhand smoke
* Minimizing exposure to workplace chemicals when possible
Many myPBCteam members share similar concerns about what may have triggered their PBC, and discussing environmental factors with your healthcare team can help you understand your personal risk factors.
January 6
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