Use of trichloroethylene (TCE) - often known as 'trike' - was strictly curtailed across the European Union after 2001, following the discovery that it could cause cancer.
But until then it was widely used by mechanics, particularly to degrease car parts like brakes.
It is still used as an ingredient in paints, inks and varnishes, although in low concentrations.
Now a study of 99 pairs of identical twins has found a "significant association" between exposure to TCE and development of the disease.
One of each twin pair had developed Parkinson's, the other had not.
Researchers studied information about the twins' lifetime exposures to six solvents previously associated with Parkinson's.
Studying identical twins is useful in such studies because it rules out the possibility of genetic differences and allows scientists to see how differences in lifestyle contribute to disease development.
They found exposure to TCE resulted in a more than six-fold increase in the likelihood of developing the disease, which can cause limb tremors, slurred speech and difficulty moving.
They warned there was "a lag time of up to 40 years between TCE exposure and onset of Parkinson's".
They also found exposure to two other chemical solvents, perchloroethylene (PERC) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), "tended towards significant risk of developing the disease".
Dr Samuel Goldman of The Parkinson's Institute in Sunnyvale, California, one of the lead authors of the research, published in the journal Annals of Neurology, said: "Our study confirms environmental contaminants may increase the risk of Parkinson's, which has considerable public health implications."
Until the 1970s TCE was used in the food and pharmaceutical industries, for example to decaffeinate coffee, as a skin disinfectant and even an anaesthetic.
Dr Michelle Gardner, Research Development Manager at Parkinson's UK, said: "This is the first study to show that the solvent TCE may be associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's.
"It is important to highlight that many of the previous uses of this solvent have been discontinued for safety reasons over 30 years ago and that safety and protection in work places where strong chemicals such as this solvent are used has greatly improved in recent years."
Reads :
Diamond Engagement Rings
Makeityourring Diamond Engagement Rings
Diamond Rings