Let’s discuss the specific chemical which compromises fertility: Quats.
What are Quats?
Quats is short for quaternary ammonium compounds. Used as disinfectants or antimicrobial agents in a variety of products. Everyday household cleaners, sanitizers, and fabric softeners contain this ingredient. This includes personal care products like toothpaste, nasal sprays, deodorants, eye drops, and foodservice operations. As you can imagine, it’s almost impossible to avoid exposure to quats on a regular basis.
This is not new, it has been in use since the 1940s.
Unfortunately, more recent studies have found that Quats inhibit the mitochondrial function. We are only realising the importance of mitochondrial function as it is the body’s source of energy to function. Quats impair mitochondrial function and is associated with health problems such as Parkinson’s disease.
How Quats affect fertility
Quats also interrupt the sex hormone estrogen’s response in cells. They disrupt the estrogen signaling in cells indicating fertility issues. A scientific study on animals showed not only a reduction in fertility but also neural tube birth defects. In fact, it causes reproductive toxicity in both females and males.
What can you do?
Start by reading active ingredients.
Look for terms like:
guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, centrimonium bromide, distearyldimonium chloride, hydroxyethyl methyl ammonium methyl sulfate, diethyl ester dimethyl ammonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, quaternium-15, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, centrimonium bromide, polyquaternium.
Despite proliferative exposure to quats, we can work toward minimising exposure. This is the beset preventative for you and your family’s health.
References:
https://www.safecosmeticsaustralia.com.au/key-allergens/quaternary-ammonium-compounds-quats
https://www.furphies.org.au/quats.html
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces/industry-information/stevedores-and-ports/cleaning