Environmental Neurotoxicology

Scientists agree that exposure to toxic agents in the environment can cause neurological and psychiatric illnesses ranging from headaches and depression to syndromes resembling parkinsonism. It can even result in death at high exposure levels. The emergence of subclinical neurotoxicity-the concept that long-term impairments can escape clinical detection-makes the need for risk assessment even more critical. This volume paves the way toward definitive solutions, presenting the current consensus on risk assessment and environmental toxicants and offering specific recommendations. The book covers: The biologic basis of neurotoxicity. Progress in the application of biologic markers. Reviews of a wide range of in vitro and in vivo testing techniques. The use of surveillance and epidemiology to identify neurotoxic hazards that escape premarket screening. Research needs. This volume will be an important resource for policymakers, health specialists, researchers, and students.

Role of Inflammation in Environmental Neurotoxicity, Volume Three, in this comprehensive serial, addresses contemporary advances in neurotoxicology by providing authoritative review articles on key issues in the field. Edited by leading subject experts, topics of note in this new release include Neuroinflammation (Introduction), Organophosphates, Lead, Manganese, Drugs of abuse, Peripheral vs central inflammation, Air pollution, Developmental neurotoxicity, Ethanol, and the Blood brain barrier, amongst other topics. Provides a unique, first of its kind resource Contributed to by world leaders in neurotoxicology Contains a diversity of topics (from molecular to epidemiology) in neurotoxicology

Dr. Jose A. Valciukas, in Foundations of Environmental and Occupational Neurotoxicology, has written a thorough, lively, and educational study on toxic substances and their effects. Written in a manner that is accessible to both professionals and non-professionals, Dr. Valciukas explains how health and human behavior may be adversely affected by neurotoxins. He introduces his study with a history of environmental and occupational neurotoxicology.

Molecular Neurotoxicology: Environmental Agents and Transcription-Transduction Coupling deals with changes in gene expression following exposure to neurotoxicants, as well as deciphering signal transduction or transcription coupling that is altered by the same exposure. Until now, little has been published on the topic in one reference, and toxicol

With the growing prospect for germ warfare, environmental and occupational neurotoxicology has come center stage. This is a multidisciplinary science dealing with the study of chemical compounds found in the environment or workplace that have deleterious effects on the nervous system and behavior of humans. The ultimate goal of this science is the understanding of their toxicity with the aim of preventing illness and suffering. Prior to the original publication of this work in 1991, this subject has never been viewed as a distinct body of knowledge; over ten years later it remains the premier text of its field. An encyclopedic compendium of over thirty years exhaustive research written by an expert in the fields of occupational health, environment, and toxicology, Foundations of Environmental and Occupational Neurotoxicology is a pioneering work. Jos A. Valciukas, in building bridges between several academic and medical disciplines, explains how health and human behavior may be adversely affected by neurotoxins. After introducing his study with a history of environmental and occupational neurotoxicology, he discusses, in Chapter 1, "Fundamentals & Techniques"-the components of the nervous system and how a clinical examination is conducted. Chapter 2, "Neurotoxic Chemical Compounds & Drugs," classifies the various neurotoxic substances. In Chapter 3, "Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Occupational Health," the author examines how neurotoxic agents are absorbed and excreted. In Chapter 4, entitled "Methods of Data Analysis," he assesses surveys, data management, and the determination of toxic causation. Chapter 5, "The Targets of Neurotoxicity," contains an examination of the effects of toxins on brain development, the auditory and visual systems, and emotions and moods. Chapter 6, entitled "Counfounders & Current Issues," discusses relevant issues of senile dementia, alcoholism, smoking, and neurotoxic agents of chemical warfare. "What is unique about this book is that Dr. Valciukas has consolidated this information and discussed the principles and pitfalls governing the assessment of neurotoxicology in the workplace This book is highly recommended to those who wish to expand their knowledge beyond their area of expertise into aspects of environmental and occupational neurotoxicology..." -Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Jos A. Valciukas is director of the Clinical Psychology Internship Program at the Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, New York. He is the author of Forensic Neuropsychology: Conceptual Foundations and Clinical Practice, and is a former managing editor of the journal Environmental Research.

Clinical Neurotoxicology offers accurate, relevant, and comprehensive coverage of a field that has grown tremendously in the last 20 years. You’ll get a current symptomatic approach to treating disorders caused by neurotoxic agents, environmental factors—such as heavy metals and pesticides—and more. Apply discussions of cellular and molecular processes and pathology to clinical neurology. Leading authorities and up-and-coming clinical neurotoxicologists present their expertise on wide-ranging, global subjects and debate controversies in the specialty, including Gulf War Syndrome. Provides a complete listing of neurotoxic agents—from manufactured to environmental—so you get comprehensive, clinical coverage. Covers how toxins manifest themselves according to age and co-morbidity so that you can address the needs of all your patients. Offers broad and in-depth coverage of toxins from all over the world through contributions by leading authorities and up-and-coming clinical neurotoxicologists. Features discussion of controversial and unusual topics such as Gulf War Syndrome, Parkinson’s Disease, motor neuron disease, as well as other issues that are still in question.

ritten by a noted expert in occupational and environmental medicine and neurology, this volume offers clinicians much-needed guidance in diagnosing and treating neurologic disorders caused by chemical exposure. The book delineates the key symptoms, presents an approach to assessing exposed individuals, and provides clinically relevant information on the twenty major occupational and environmental neurotoxicants. Discussions of the neurotoxic agents follow a consistent, user-friendly format. Dr. Feldman briefly describes the physical nature and chemical structure of each substance and its sources of exposure, recommended exposure limits, and metabolism. He then details the symptoms and physical findings associated with the substance, the most useful confirmatory diagnostic tests, and the most appropriate therapeutic and preventive measures. Finally, he presents case histories and discusses the acute and long-term risks of various exposure scenarios

This new edition presents an integrated approach to neurotoxicology, the study of organisms’ responses to changes in their environment and how interruption of the flow of information by chemical exposure causes a wide range of effects – from learning deficits, sensory disturbances in the extremities, and muscle weakness to seizures and signs similar to neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease. It is an essential resource for understanding the sites and mechanisms of neurotoxicity, for formulating testable hypotheses about the effects of neurotoxicants, and for improving the risk assessment process.