Are hand sanitizers damaging your brain?

Chemicals discovered in hand sanitizers, typical glues, furniture textiles, and household disinfectants can possibly damage supporting cells in the brain during critical developmental stages, as per a new study.

Molecular biologist Erin Cohn from Case Western Reserve University, together with colleagues, was able to identify two chemical classes that kill or halt oligodendrocyte cell maturation in a lab setting by beginning with 1,823 compounds of mysterious toxicity present in the environment, according to The Science Times.

Oligodendrocytes are support cells that wrap neurons to produce an insulating covering.

Out of the two identified chemical classes, one were quaternary compounds used in hand sanitizers, disinfectant sprays, wipes, and other personal care products like mouthwash and toothpaste.

The other chemical compound class was organophosphates, which serve as flame retardants and can be found in glues, textiles, and other household items, such as electronics and furniture.

Organophosphates can be absorbed into the skin and potentially reach the brain, since they are fat-soluble compounds.

The levels of a particular flame retardant by analysing levels of BDCIPP, a flame retardant metabolite, were also looked by the team of Cohn.

Gathered In the National Health and Nutrition Examination survey of the CDC between 2013 and 2018, they found it among urine samples of children.