Two chemical compounds commonly found in household cleaning and personal hygiene products cause birth defects , according to an experiment conducted in rodents by researchers at the Edward VIA College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. (USA.). It is collected by the magazine Birth Defects Research.
The experts set out to examine the effect of a class of very common chemicals in our homes ( quaternary ammonium compounds , common for disinfection and as an antimicrobial treatment) in both mice and rats.
Due to their properties, these products are routinely used as disinfectants in the form of household cleaners, laundry detergent, and fabric softener. They are also used as preservatives in personal hygiene products such as shampoo, conditioner, and in eye drops.
Specifically, the two compounds studied were: alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (ADBAC) and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC).
The effects of disinfectants on rodents
For the experiment, the researchers introduced these substances into the nursery of mice and rats. Both substances were found in combination in the form of a commercial disinfectant and they also received the substance both in food and in the air that entered the experimental area with rodents.
Specifically, the rodents were administered 60 or 120 milligrams of the substance per kilogram of body weight (mg / kg) daily in their food , or 7.5, 15 or 30 mg / kg of body weight, administered by oral gavage.
The scientists evaluated the embryos at 10 and 18 days of pregnancy looking for “gross and skeletal malformations.” The results revealed that neural tube defects (which cause congenital deficiencies during the first month of pregnancy) increased proportionally with environmental exposure to chemicals.
Just exposing the males to the chemical-laden atmosphere in the room was enough to cause reproductive defects. In fact, environmental exposure to the chemical had a greater influence than oral dosing.
“Birth defects were palpable both when males and females were exposed, and when only one parent was exposed to the chemicals,” explains Terry Hrubec, leader of the work.
“These chemicals are regularly used in homes, hospitals, public spaces and swimming pools. Most people are regularly exposed ,” Hrubec says.
Reference: Chemicals which cause birth defects – teratogens: a special concern of research chemists. Birth Defects Research. June 2017. DOI: 10.1002 / bdr2.1064
