Research Results Say Hand Sanitizers Can Damage Human Brain Cells

LONDON – Chemical material Dangers found in disinfectant hand sanitizers or hand sanitizers can damage supporting cells in the human brain.

This is based on the findings of a new study based on research of 1,823 compounds of unknown toxicity found in the environment. Erin Cohn, a molecular biologist at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, and colleagues identified two classes of chemicals that can kill or stop the maturation of cells called oligodendrocytes under laboratory conditions.

As reported by Science Alert, oligodendrocytes are a type of neurological support cell: They wrap around neurons to form an insulating covering that keeps brain signals moving quickly.

One of the two chemical classes identified is quaternary compounds. These ingredients are used in disinfectant sprays, wipes and hand sanitizers, as well as personal care products such as toothpaste and mouthwash to kill bacteria and viruses, and can be swallowed or inhaled if used incorrectly or in poorly ventilated spaces.

Another class of compounds is organophosphates. Functioning as a fire retardant, this material is generally found in textiles, glue, and household items such as furniture and electronics and can ‘off-gas’ into the air of the rooms we usually live in.

Because they are fat soluble, organophosphates can be absorbed through the skin and potentially enter the brain.

In experiments on mice, pups given an oral dose of one of three quaternary compounds had detectable levels of the chemicals in their brain tissue days later.
This suggests that the compound can pass through the blood-brain barrier, a protective barrier between the bloodstream and brain cells.

(wbs)