A recent American study suggests that chemicals contained in a wide array of items, from furniture to hair and personal care products, may be linked to neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and autism spectrum disorders.

Neurological issues affect millions of people, according to the study published Monday in the journal "Nature Neuroscience". However, only a few cases can be attributed solely to genetics, indicating that unknown environmental factors play a significant role in the onset of neurological diseases.

Researchers discovered that certain household chemicals particularly affect oligodendrocyte precursor cells in the brain. These specialized cells produce a protective insulation around nerve cells and are found in the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord.

The team conducted a comprehensive research effort to monitor the impact of these substances on brain health, analyzing over 1,800 chemicals potentially encountered by humans. They identified that chemicals selectively damaging to oligodendrocyte precursor cells belong to two categories: organic phosphate flame retardants, and quaternary ammonium compounds.

Organic phosphate flame retardants are used in the manufacturing of plastics, furniture, and electronics such as computers and televisions, while quaternary ammonium compounds are found in laundry detergents, disinfectants, and insecticides.

Given the presence of quaternary ammonium compounds in many personal care and disinfectant products, which have been frequently used since the COVID-19 pandemic, humans are regularly exposed to these chemicals.

In laboratory studies, researchers found that quaternary ammonium compounds caused the death of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, while organic phosphate flame retardants prevented these cells from maturing.

The team demonstrated that these substances destroy oligodendrocyte precursor cells in the developing brains of mice. The researchers also linked exposure to one of the chemicals to poor neurological outcomes in children.

The study's lead researcher, Dr. Paul Tesar from Case Western Reserve University in the United States, stated, "The loss of oligodendrocyte precursor cells underlies multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases." He added on the university website, "Our study has shown that specific chemicals in consumer products can directly harm oligodendrocyte precursor cells, posing a new risk for neurological diseases."

While researchers acknowledge that more research is needed to understand the relationship between human exposure to these chemicals and their effect on brain health, they suggested that future research should monitor chemical levels in the brains of adults and children to determine the extent and duration of exposure required to cause or exacerbate disease.