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Neurotoxicity and Behavior
Citation:
BOYES, W. K. Neurotoxicity and Behavior. Sixth, Chapter 3, Eula Bingham (ed.), Patty's Toxicology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, Hoboken, NJ, 1:35-74, (2012).
Impact/Purpose:
This manuscript is an overview of neurotoxicity and behavior for a general toxicology textbook. The impact of this chapter will be to provide a general synthesis and update of information. Neurotoxicity is important to consider as a component of occupational and environmental safety and health programs. The failure to do so has contributed to a number of cases in which workers, consumers of manufactured products, and people exposed in the environment were irreparably harmed by exposure to compounds that proved toxic to the nervous system. The field of neurotoxicology originated in response to several episodes of mass poisoning and developed through advances in clinical practice, scientific research and regulatory actions. This chapter reviews broadly the development of the field of neurotoxicity and discusses some of the predominant current issues. The chapter includes an introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system, the response to injury, the evaluation of sensory, cognitive and motor functions, and effects on emotionality, mood and social conduct. Recently, there has been a growing emphasis on potential toxic effects on neurodevelopment and contributions to neurodegenerative disease. Also, there is a large and growing effort to develop more rapid and cost efficient screening tests for potential neurotoxicity. A brief overview of some of the major classes of neurotoxic substances is provided including metals, solvents, pesticides and persistent organic compounds. Finally the need for programs to prevent neurotoxic illness is discussed.
Description:
Neurotoxicity is important to consider as a component of occupational and environmental safety and health programs. The failure to do so has contributed to a number of cases in which workers, consumers of manufactured products, and people exposed in the environment were irreparably harmed by exposure to compounds that proved toxic to the nervous system. The field of neurotoxicology originated in response to several episodes of mass poisoning and developed through advances in clinical practice, scientific research and regulatory actions. This chapter reviews broadly the development ofthe field of neurotoxicity and discusses some of the predominant current issues. The chapter includes an introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system, the response to injury, the evaluation ofsensory, cognitive and motor functions, and effects on emotionality, mood and social conduct. Recently, there has been a growing emphasis on potential toxic effects on neurodevelopment and contributions to neurodegenerative disease. Also, there is a large and growing effort to develop more rapid and cost efficient screening tests for potential neurotoxicity. A brief overview of some of the major classes of neurotoxic substances is provided including metals, solvents, pesticides and persistent organic compounds. Finally the need for programs to prevent neurotoxic illness is discussed.