29/03/2024
Over the last few decades there has been a significant rise in the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and ADHD. While better detection and diagnosing could be contributing factors, research indicates that environmental influences may also play a role.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have released study findings that suggest exposure to certain chemicals, commonly found in everyday products, may harm brain cells known as oligodendrocytes, which are crucial for the development of myelin sheaths on nerve cells. This damage, in turn, could potentially lead to neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders, such as autism, ADHD, and multiple sclerosis.
The university’s study evaluated a large spectrum of chemicals to determine their impact on oligodendrocytes both in isolation and in the developing brains of lab mice. The researchers discovered that two types of compounds – organophosphate flame retardants found in electronics and furniture, and quaternary ammonium compounds used in personal-care products and disinfectants – were harmful to the oligodendrocytes, either impeding their development or causing cell death. This did not occur with other types of brain cells.
A team of scientists analyzed the exposure of children aged 3 to 11 to organophosphates, utilizing data from the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. This survey provided insights into the levels of bis (1,3-dichloro-2-propy) phosphate (BDCIPP), a metabolite of these chemicals, found in the urine of the children.
Their analysis revealed a significant finding: children with the highest levels of BDCIPP in their urine were two to six times more likely to exhibit special educational needs or motor impairments compared to those with the lowest levels of exposure. This suggests a potential link between exposure to organophosphate-containing flame retardants and adverse effects on children's neurological development.
In light of these findings, other research has proposed the use of alternative disinfectants such as caprylic, citric, and lactic acids, alongside agents like hydrogen peroxide and alcohol, to reduce reliance on quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs).
The researchers emphasize that while their study establishes an important foundation, comprehensive epidemiological and laboratory research is necessary to confirm the causal relationship between exposure to these compounds and the observed health issues.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-024-01599-2
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/household-chemicals-may-increase-risk-neurological-conditions-autism-ms?slot_pos=article_1&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=MNT%20Daily%20News&utm_content=2024-03-28&apid=&rvid=e03f0b81645f734e1a18995b7e23aa1e16bd48caac56cdc5479e92bdb53b3a42 -common-household-chemicals
