A new study suggests that chemicals in hand sanitisers, typical glues, furniture textiles, and household disinfectants can damage brain-supporting cells during critical developmental stages.

Molecular biologist Erin Cohn from Case Western Reserve University, together with colleagues, was able to identify two chemical classes that kill or halt oligodendrocyte cell maturation in a lab setting by beginning with 1,823 compounds of mysterious toxicity present in the environment, according to The Science Times.

Oligodendrocytes are support cells that wrap neurons to produce an insulating covering.

One of the two identified chemical classes was quaternary compounds used in hand sanitisers, disinfectant sprays, wipes, and other personal care products like mouthwash and toothpaste.

The other chemical compound class was organophosphates, which are flame retardants found in glues, textiles, and other household items, such as electronics and furniture.

Organophosphates can be absorbed into the skin and potentially reach the brain since they are fat-soluble compounds.

The levels of a particular flame retardant by analyzing levels of BDCIPP, a flame retardant metabolite, were also looked at by the Cohn team.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination survey of the CDC between 2013 and 2018 found it among urine samples of children.