Neurotoxicology and Behavior

Abstract

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 tragic cases in which people 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 consideration of the features of the nervous system that make it susceptible to toxicity, the response to injury, the evaluation of sensory, cognitive, and motor functions, and effects on emotionality, mood, and social conduct. An emphasis is placed on functional outcomes that may be especially important in occupational and industrial hygiene settings. There is increasingly an emphasis on potential toxic effects on neurodevelopment and contributions to neurodegenerative diseases. 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, persistent organic compounds, and air pollution. Finally, the need for programs to prevent neurotoxic illness is discussed.