Neurotoxicants and Neonates

Occupational exposure to neurotoxic chemicals before and after conception has been reported to produce a wide range of adverse effects on reproduction. Studies in the United States and Europe have shown increased risk of congenital malformations and reductions in birth weight among infants born to parents living near hazardous 

Prolonged periods of exposure to natural, synthetic, or man-made chemical substances cause neurotoxicity. The effects of neurotoxicity result in a variety of health disturbances. In simple terms, neurotoxic chemical substances change the normal activity of the nervous system, eventually leading to disruption of the network of neurons. Thus, the key cells of neural transmission and signal processing in the brain and other parts of the nervous system get damaged. 

Neurotoxicity is the result of improper (careless) use, handling, and negligence in the management of chemical substances such as metals, food additives, pesticides, industrial solvents, cosmetics, radiation treatment, and drug therapies. Depending upon route and dose of exposure, the symptoms of neurotoxicity appear immediately after exposure or are delayed. The symptoms include limb weakness or numbness loss of memory, vision, and/or intellect headache cognitive and behavioral problems and sexual dysfunction. Children and workers with certain existing health disorders are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of neurotoxic chemicals. 

Neurotoxicity caused by chemical substances requires careful interpretation based on well confirmed data on experimental animals and surveys of workers and the general population. Neurotoxicity is one of several noncancer end-points that share common default assumptions and principles. The interpretation of data as indicative of a potential neurotoxic effect involves the evaluation of the validity of the database. Attention should be given to the existing gaps—for instance, (1) identification of the specific toxic substance, (2) knowing the observed effects and significance in terms of neurotoxicity, and (3) whether the conclusions made agree 

National Research Council (USNRC). 1984. Toxicity testing Strategies to determine needs and priorities. Washington, D.C. U.S. National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences. 

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