Too much disinfectant when cleaning can damage the brain

The simple act of cleaning the house, performing personal hygiene or fixing things can hide some dangers for the brain. Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have found chemicals in hygiene products, such as disinfectant, and household items, such as glue and furniture, that, in excess, can damage an important brain cell.

The research, which carried out experiments with rats in the laboratory, was published in Nature Neuroscience.

What are the compounds and how do they affect the brain?

The study identified two classes of chemical compounds: quaternary compounds, found in common disinfectants for cleaning the house, hands, wet wipes and even mouthwash, and organophosphates, present in glues, furniture fabrics and other household products.

These substances, in very large quantities, can damage the brain’s support cells, called oligodendrocytes, during critical stages of its development. These cells function as insulators that allow neurons to send brain signals at high speed.

Read more:

Experiments with mice

• In experiments on rats, researchers administered some chemical compounds to them, including cetylpyridinium chloride.
• The animals were at a critical period in their brain development.
• After administration, it was observed that the rats had detectable levels of this compound in their brain tissues, indicating its ability to cross the brain’s natural protective barrier.
• Furthermore, there was a reduction in the number of oligodendrocyte cells in the brains of exposed mice.
• These results suggest that exposure to chemical compounds during brain development may interfere with brain structure and function.

Is it dangerous for humans?

Animal studies suggest that exposure to these compounds may negatively affect brain development. However, the experiments used a greater amount of chemicals than humans are normally exposed to. Either way, this can still be a warning to people who come into excessive and recurring contact with them.

Children, in particular, are the focus of researchers’ concerns. They analyzed the levels of an organophosphate compound – one of the classes identified in the research – BDCIPP, in their urine and found that almost all samples contained the substance. Those with higher levels were more likely to experience neurodevelopmental problems, such as motor dysfunction or difficulties at school.

It is important to note that these are observational results and do not indicate a direct cause and effect relationship.