Frequently, in our house our parents are prone to daily use of disinfectants and preservatives in household and personal products such as shampoos, detergents, conditioners these all may be linked to birth deformities in children. Researches have warned.
Several studies conducted by researchers on both mice and rats, showed that the chemicals like- “quats”- “quaternary ammonium compounds can lead to birth defects of the spine, spinal cord and may be brain. The regular use of these chemicals is on high in home, hospitals, public spaces, and swimming pools”, said by Terry Hrubec Associate Professor at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine(VCOM) in Virginia, US. Both males and females were noticed defected when exposed, as well as when only one parent was exposed," Hrubec added. For the study, detailed in the journal Birth Defects Research, the team investigated the effect of two commonly used quats - alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride. These are usually listed on ingredient lists as ADBAC and DDAC respectively, and are estimated for their antimicrobial and antistatic properties, as well as their capability to lower surface tension. These are used as common ingredients in cleaners and disinfectants, hand wipes, food preservatives, swimming pool treatments, laundry products, shampoos, conditioners, eye drops and other personal care products.
These chemicals exposure also resulted in birth defects same as the defects as found in humans -- spina bifida and anencephaly.
He further added, mice and rats did not even need to be dosed with the chemicals to see the effect, but simply using quat-based cleaners in the same room as the mice was enough to be the reason of birth defects.
"We also observed increased birth defects in rodents for two generations after stopping exposure," Hrubec noted.
The researchers said – “The study was conducted on mice and rats; these chemicals may be toxic to humans as well in many ways.
