Exposure to Common Disinfectants decreases Fertility and Fecundity

This study illustrates the importance of assessing mixture toxicity of commonly used products whose components have only been evaluated individually

Study Highlights:

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Mice exposed to disinfectants in commercial-grade cleaning products took longer to get pregnant, had fewer pups and suffered more miscarriages and distressed fetuses, researchers reported today.
  • Tested the reproductive toxicity of a common disinfectant used in many commercial and residential products.
  • Disinfectant contained the active ingredients: alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC) and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC).
  • Mouse breeding pairs were dosed with ADBAC + DDAC at 0, 60 or 120 mg/kg/day in the feed for 6 months.
  • Long term exposure decreased fertility and fecundity and caused dam mortality in a dose dependent manner.
  • This study highlights the importance of testing the toxicity of mixtures over individual compounds.
Sources and More Information:
  • Exposure to common quaternary ammonium disinfectants decreases fertility in mice, Reproductive Toxicology, article/pii/S0890623814001920, DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2014.07.071
  • Quats quagmire: Common disinfectants cause reproductive problems in mice, study says, Lindsey Konkel, Environmental Health News, August 13, 2014.

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