Home Health Chemicals in baby wipes, hand soap and nail polish may raise the risk of AUTISM and multiple sclerosis, scientists warn

Chemicals in baby wipes, hand soap and nail polish may raise the risk of AUTISM and multiple sclerosis, scientists warn

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The chemicals, organophosphate flame retardants and quaternary ammonium compounds, are found in nail polishes, baby wipes, hand soaps and cleaning solutions (file image)

Millions of Americans are potentially exposed to brain-degrading chemicals in common household products that could increase the risk of autism.

A new study published in the journal Nature Neurology found that cleaning and personal care items containing two ingredients damage brain structures that protect nerve cells to help them function properly, called oligodendrocytes, which play a role in neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

The chemicals can be found in nail polish, baby wipes, hand soaps, cleaning solutions, furniture, carpets, shampoo, sunscreen, body wash, disinfectant sprays, certain electronics, and dryer sheets.

Damage to brain structures prevents nerve cells from properly communicating with each other, and the researchers said their findings could help determine whether environmental factors are linked to chronic neurological conditions that cannot be attributed solely to genetics.

The team linked chemical exposure to poor neurological outcomes in children in the U.S. using urine testing, history of substance exposure, and reports of motor dysfunction and children using special education services.

The study’s lead researcher, Paul Tesar, said: “We now show that specific chemicals in consumer products can directly damage oligodendrocytes, representing a previously unrecognized risk factor for neurological diseases.”

The chemicals, organophosphate flame retardants and quaternary ammonium compounds, are found in nail polishes, baby wipes, hand soaps and cleaning solutions (file image)

The chemicals, organophosphate flame retardants and quaternary ammonium compounds, are found in nail polishes, baby wipes, hand soaps and cleaning solutions (file image)

The research analyzed more than 1,800 chemicals that people may be exposed to and identified two classes of chemicals that specifically target brain structures: organophosphate flame retardants (OFRs) and quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs).

QACs are a type of chemical used to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold. There are many types of these substances found in cleaning products and disinfectants often used in hospitals, daycares, homes, and restaurants.

OFRs are chemical additives that reduce the risk of fire and combustion in products. There are several types commonly used in building materials, fabrics and furniture, as well as electronics.

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine used biological samples from mice to determine that OFRs prevent oligodendrocyte development and QACs cause the structures to die.

The team also used data from the CDC and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to identify levels of childhood exposure to the chemicals to determine associations between exposure and abnormal cognitive and motor development.

They analyzed data from 2013 to 2018 on children ages three to 11 and found that one type of OFR was present in 99 percent (1,753) of urine samples.

And the levels were significantly higher in children than in adults.

The data revealed that a large proportion of children in the US who needed special education services or who suffered from motor dysfunction had the highest levels of the substance in their system.

The researchers said: “Neurological problems affect millions of people, but only a fraction of cases can be attributed to genetics alone, indicating that unknown environmental factors are important contributors to neurological diseases.”

Lead author Erin Cohn added: “We found that oligodendrocytes (but not other brain cells) are surprisingly vulnerable to quaternary ammonium compounds and organophosphate flame retardants.

“Understanding human exposure to these chemicals may help explain a missing link in how some neurological diseases arise.”

Autism affects one in 36 children, meaning more than 90,000 children are born with this developmental disorder in the United States annually.

It is characterized by communication and social interaction problems, difficulty expressing oneself, and repetitive behaviors and interests.

Scientists are still not completely sure what causes autism, although they believe it is probably a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

The severity of the disorder also varies widely across the spectrum, meaning there is probably no miracle treatment option.

MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects nearly 1 million Americans.

It can cause loss of balance, muscle spasms, loss of vision and memory, and impaired motor function.

Some therapies can help control symptoms, but there is no cure.

Based on their findings, the scientists emphasize that more research is needed on how these chemicals affect brain structures, including monitoring chemical levels in people’s brains to determine the amount and duration of exposure to OFRs and QACs. that are needed to cause or exacerbate the disease.

Tesar said: “Our findings suggest that closer scrutiny of the impacts of these common household chemicals on brain health is needed.

“We hope our work will contribute to informed decisions about regulatory measures or behavioral interventions to minimize chemical exposure and protect human health.”

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