Using shampoo, washing powder will reduce sperm count?

DN Bureau

The researchers found that exposure to these chemicals resulted in neural tube birth defects, the same birth defect that causes spina bifida and anencephaly - a severe congenital condition - in humans.

Using shampoo and washing powder may decrease the sperm count in males and ovulation in females
Using shampoo and washing powder may decrease the sperm count in males and ovulation in females


Washington D.C: Did you know, using everyday essentials, such as shampoo and washing powder, can be toxic for humans.

 

According to a study, it may decrease the sperm count in males and ovulation in females.

A view of Sperms entering into ovum 

The findings indicated that a common ingredient of household products, known as quaternary ammonium compounds or 'quats', is thought to cause the harmful effects, contributing to human infertility.

 

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Quats are often used as disinfectants and preservatives in household and personal products such as cleaners, laundry detergent, fabric softener, shampoo and conditioner and eye drops.

 

The research demonstrated a link between quats and defect in the animals' neural tube, a hollow structure from which the spine and brain form.

 

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'These chemicals are regularly used in the home, hospital, public spaces, and swimming pools,' said Terry Hrubec, associate professor of anatomy at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Virginia.

Washing Powder

The researchers investigated the effect of two commonly used quats: Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride and Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride.

 

They are valued for their antimicrobial properties, as well as their ability to lower surface tension.

 

The found that exposure to these chemicals resulted in neural tube birth defects, the same birth defect that causes spina bifida and anencephaly - a severe congenital condition - in humans.

 

Spina bifida is when a baby's spine and cord do not develop properly in the womb, causing a gap in the spine.

 

Anencephaly is the absence of a major portion of the brain, skull and scalp that occurs during a baby's development.

A view of baby developing in woman's uterus 

Birth defects were seen when both males and females were exposed, as well as when only one parent was exposed, stated Hrubec.

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The researchers found that mice and rats did not even need to be dosed with the chemicals to see the effect.

 

Also Read: Men beware! Regular night shifts can lead to lower fertility

 

Simply using quat-based cleaners in the same room as the mice was enough to cause birth defects.

 

An earlier study in Hrubec's laboratory found that these chemicals led to reproductive declines in mice.

A view of baby in woman's womb

Follow-up research found that quats were decreasing sperm counts in males and ovulation in females.

 

The results is published in the journal Birth Defects Research. (ANI)










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