Chemicals in household items could lead to brain disorders

A study has found that popular household items contain two chemicals that play a role in the development of neurological disorders like autism (related to the development of the brain) and multiple sclerosis (chronic disease of the nervous system).

This adds to previous research about chemicals linked to deteriorating human health.

Over 1,800 common household chemicals were examined. Two were discovered to negatively affect brain health.

These chemicals are quaternary ammonium compounds (also called 'quats' or QACs) and organophosphate flame retardants, according to the study published in Nature Neuroscience.

Quats are found in many body washes, fabric softeners, shampoos, sunscreens, baby wipes, shaving creams and some disinfectants.

Organophosphate flame retardants, on the other hand, are present in electric devices, construction materials and some furniture foam or plastic.

Researchers stated that in neurological problems that impact millions of people worldwide, only a fraction of cases can be attributed to genetics alone.

This indicates that unknown environmental factors are important contributors to neurological disease.

These chemicals in home products specifically affect the brain’s oligodendrocytes.

Oligodendrocytes are special cells found in the brain and spinal cord. Their main job is to create a protective covering called myelin that wraps around nerve cells, kind of like insulation around wires.

This myelin helps nerve cells send messages faster and more efficiently. So, oligodendrocytes play a crucial role in making sure your brain and nervous system work properly by helping nerve cells communicate effectively.

"Loss of oligodendrocytes underlies multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases. We now show that specific chemicals in consumer products can directly harm oligodendrocytes, representing a previously unrecognised risk factor for neurological disease," said the study’s principal investigator, Paul Tesar, director of the Institute for Glial Sciences at the School of Medicine.

The researchers used cellular and organoid systems in the laboratory to show that quaternary ammonium compounds cause oligodendrocytes to die, while organophosphate flame retardants prevented the maturation of oligodendrocytes.

They demonstrated how the same chemicals damage oligodendrocytes in the developing brains of mice.

The researchers also linked exposure to one of the chemicals to poor neurological outcomes in children nationally.

The association between human exposure to these chemicals and effects on brain health requires further investigation, the experts warned.

The researchers added that further research must track the chemical levels in the brains of adults and children to determine the amount and length of exposure needed to cause or worsen disease.