Bactericidal soap makes your biological cells in trouble

A common disinfectant in most common products from soap, mouthwash, toothpaste . is likely to weaken the activity of female hormonal reactions in cells.

Researchers have long been very concerned about the harmful effects of disinfectants, known as quaternary ammonium compounds . Recently, a group of scientists from the University of California, Davis, tested two common forms of quaternary ammonium salts, called cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and benzalkonium chloride (BAK) , on human tissues. Laboratory conditions to understand more about them.

This type of disinfection - often referred to as QUATS - exists in almost anything: soap, shower gel , sleeping pills, deodorants, toothpaste . In other words, it is present in almost Any product that we can think of as a personal care product has a bactericidal effect.

In the past, disinfectants were found to cause reproductive problems in mice - (Photo: Shutterstock).

Because many QUATS are not chemically modified when entering bacterial cell membranes, compounds still retain their biological properties even when they have been washed and discharged into the environment.

This has increased the alarm about the safety of biocides because in the past, QUATS has been found to cause reproductive problems in mice.

In 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration FDA ruled that CPC and BAK disinfectants are no longer considered safe in some products and call for more evidence to determine risk. ro of BAK.

For further research, the scientists tested FDA approved 1,600 disinfectants, additives and drugs.

Accordingly, substances containing QUATS interfered with mitochondrial activity, reducing the transfer of important electrons and inhibiting the ability to produce energetic molecules called adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

"This causes concern because exposure to mitochondrial inhibitors such as rotenone (an odorless chemical that is heavily used in pesticides) and MPTP is related," said UC Davis researcher Gino Cortopassi. an increased risk of Parkinson's disease ".

"This article adds to the growing number of studies showing that QUATS may not be as safe as previously believed" - (Photo: IT)

Not only do these disinfectants reduce the mitochondria's ability to pump ATP, the researchers found that at certain concentrations they also interfere with the cell's response to an important reproductive hormone. .

Cortopassi said: "The disinfectants we use for the body and the environment have been shown to inhibit mitochondrial energy production and estrogen reactions (a group of steroid compounds that play a role in producing sex hormones. female lead) of cell '.

This article adds to the growing number of studies showing that QUATS may not be as safe as previously believed.

Because these are all common chemicals in people's daily lives, it is imperative to conduct as many studies as possible to detect their potential risks.