Two common household chemicals are associated with the development of brain diseases

A new study has associated contact with two very common chemical compounds in common products and items in any home to damage to specific cells in the body. brain (oligodendrocytes) that gives rise to diseases such as multiple sclerosis or autism spectrum disorders.

The research has been carried out by scientists from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland (Ohio) and specialists from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Neurological problems affect millions of people, but only a certain percentage of cases can be attributed solely to genetics, indicating that unknown environmental factors are important contributors to brain diseases.

What compounds

Based on the premise that the impact of chemicals on brain health has not been sufficiently studied, the researchers analyzed more than 1,800 chemicals that humans may be exposed to in their daily lives.

Among them, they identified two types of chemicals, organophosphate flame retardants and quaternary ammonium compounds, with a damaging effect on oligodendrocytes, a type of specialized brain cells that generate protective insulation around nerve cells and the brain. spinal cord.

Since quaternary ammonium compounds are present in many personal care products and disinfectants, which have been used more frequently since the COVID-19 pandemic began, humans are regularly exposed to these chemicals.

For their part, organophosphate flame retardants are added to materials such as plastics, textiles, surface finishes and coatings and are present in all types of household items from electronics to furniture.

Associated damages

Researchers have proven, through experiments with organoids (recreations of human organs through three-dimensional microtissues created using stem cells), that quaternary ammonium compounds cause the death of oligodendrocytes, while organophosphates prevent their maturation.

At the same time, they saw how those same chemicals damaged oligodendrocytes in the developing brains of mice.

Researchers have also linked exposure to these chemicals with neurological problems in children based on US health databases.

“The loss of oligodendrocytes is the cause of multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases,” recalls one of the authors, Paul Tesar, professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University, in a statement from this institution.

“With this research we demonstrate that there are specific chemicals present in consumer products that can directly damage oligodendrocytes, which represents a risk factor for neurological disease not recognized until now,” he said.swim.

Next steps

In the opinion of other authors, Erin Cohn, a researcher at the same university, “Understanding human exposure to these chemicals may help explain a missing link in how some neurological diseases arise.”

Researchers agree that we must continue investigating the relationship between human exposure to these chemicals and brain damage, as well as explore what amount and duration of exposure to these substances can cause or worsen a neurological disease in the brains of children and adults. .

However, they consider that “This research should contribute to better informed decisions on regulatory measures or behavior to minimize exposure to these chemical compounds and protect human health.”

It may interest you