Quaternary ammonium disinfectants cause subfertility in mice by targeting both male and female reproductive processes

Reprod Toxicol. 2016 Jan:59:159-66. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2015.10.006. Epub 2015 Nov 12.

Abstract

Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC) and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC) are common ingredients in household bathroom and kitchen cleaning sprays. ADBAC+DDAC cause reproductive toxicity in mice. The aim of the present study was to investigate gender-specific reproductive effects from ADBAC+DDAC. Female reproduction was assessed through ovulation, oocyte implantation, and estrus cycling. Male reproductive function was assessed by sperm concentration, motility, and viability. Numbers of corpora lutea were not different after 2 weeks, but decreased after 8 weeks of ADBAC+DDAC exposure. Dams exposed for 5 weeks to ADBAC+DDAC spent significantly less time in estrus. ADBAC+DDAC exposed males exhibited declines in both sperm concentration and motility, but not sperm viability. Subfertility in mice from ADBAC+DDAC exposure is, therefore, mediated through reproductive disturbances in both females and males. While the effect of ADBAC+DDAC exposure on human health is unclear, widespread exposure necessitates further consideration of their potential reproductive toxicity.

Keywords: Disinfectants; Fertility; Implantation; Ovulation; Quaternary ammonium compounds; Reproduction; Sperm counts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benzalkonium Compounds / toxicity*
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Disinfectants / toxicity*
  • Embryo Implantation / drug effects
  • Embryo Loss
  • Estrous Cycle / drug effects
  • Female
  • Fertility / drug effects*
  • Infertility, Female / chemically induced*
  • Infertility, Female / physiopathology
  • Infertility, Male / chemically induced*
  • Infertility, Male / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Ovulation / drug effects
  • Pregnancy
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / toxicity*
  • Reproduction / drug effects*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sperm Count
  • Sperm Motility / drug effects
  • Spermatozoa / drug effects*
  • Spermatozoa / pathology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Benzalkonium Compounds
  • Disinfectants
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
  • didecyldimethylammonium