A new study identifies two chemicals in everyday items as potential culprits behind neurological issues.
Arianna Johnson reports for Forbes.
In short:
- Researchers pinpoint quaternary ammonium compounds and organophosphate flame retardants in household products as potentially harmful to brain health.
- These chemicals are implicated in damaging brain cells crucial for nerve protection, possibly contributing to disorders like autism and multiple sclerosis.
- The findings underscore a growing concern over everyday chemical exposure and its impact on neurological development and health.
Key quote:
"We hope our work will contribute to informed decisions regarding regulatory measures or behavioral interventions to minimize chemical exposure and protect human health."
— Paul Tesar, director at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
Why this matters:
The link between exposure to these household chemicals and neurological outcomes such as reduced IQ, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism spectrum disorders in children has become a focal point of concern. Adults are not immune; there's growing evidence suggesting a correlation between chemical exposure and increased risks of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
As of 2016, flame retardants were still widely used in car seats despite no data showing a fire safety benefit to children, according to a new report from the Ecology Center in Michigan.
