We come into contact with numerous chemicals every day, some of which can pose a health risk. For example, many household items contain chemicals that, according to a recent study, can damage the brain.
A research team from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and the US Environmental Protection Agency has examined the dangers of common household chemicals to brain health – with disturbing results. This can be read in the journal “Nature Neuroscience”.
What role do environmental factors play?
Millions of people worldwide are affected by neurological problems, although only a fraction of cases can be attributed to genetics alone, the researchers explain. This suggests that environmental factors play an important role in neurological diseases.
The team has now investigated the extent to which common household chemicals found in items ranging from furniture to hair products could be linked to brain impairments and neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and autism spectrum disorders.
Effects on oligodendrocytes
The researchers focused on possible impairments of the so-called oligodendrocytes by over 1,800 chemicals.
Oligodendrocytes are a special cell type that creates the protective insulation around nerve cells and “the loss of oligodendrocytes underlies multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases,” explains study author Professor Paul Tesar.
“We now show that certain chemicals in consumer products can directly damage oligodendrocytes, which represents a previously unrecognized risk factor for neurological diseases,” continues Professor Tesar.
Two classes of harmful chemicals
In laboratory studies, the researchers were able to identify two classes of chemicals that disrupt the development of oligodendrocytes through different mechanisms – quaternary ammonium compounds and organophosphate flame retardants or organophosphorus flame retardants.
The quaternary ammonium compounds are ubiquitous in personal care products and disinfectants and caused oligodendrocyte death, the team reports.
Organophosphate flame retardants, which are often found in household items such as furniture and electronics, led to a premature halt in oligodendrocyte maturation, the researchers continued.
In studies on mice and in a human 3D organoid model, the experts were able to demonstrate the harmful effects of the chemicals on the oligodendrocytes.
In addition, an initial epidemiological study has already shown a connection between exposure to organophosphate flame retardants and neurological impairments in children, reports the research team.
Risk factor for neurological diseases?
“We found that oligodendrocytes – but not other brain cells – are surprisingly susceptible to quaternary ammonium compounds and organophosphate flame retardants,” summarizes lead author Erin Cohn.
“Understanding human exposure to these chemicals could help explain a missing link in the development of some neurological diseases,” Cohn continued.
Given the findings, more comprehensive research into the effects of these common household chemicals on brain health is now urgently needed, adds Professor Tesar.(fp)
