Synthetic musk could pose toxicity risk

Synthetic musk could pose toxicity risk

A scientific study has shown that artificial musk fragrance can increase sensitivity to toxins in mussels, indicating possible implications for human health. Simon Pitman reports on the findings.

'Headed by professor David Epel from Stanford University, the study shows that mussels have a defense system that normally prevents toxins from entering cells. However, the research found that synthetic musks intensify the toxicity of other pollutants by interfering with proteins in the cell membranes.'

'these results have further implications for human life, as human cells use the same transporter mechanisms as mussels. This leads to the conclusion that exposure to musks in people might impair defense systems, which in turn increases the risk of exposure to normally excluded toxins.'