Foundations Of Environmental And Occupational 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

First published in 1988, many chemical compounds present in workplace settings can produce a number of impairments in the human nervous system. As the situations in which neurotoxic agents have been recognized in exposed workers has grown, so has the importance of occupational neurotoxicology as a specialty. Addressing some of the most vital concerns in the field, Occupational Neurotoxicology discusses: Neurotoxic agents commonly encountered in the workplace Signs and symptoms of neurotoxicity and of the factors affecting neurotoxic effects Biological monitoring and the use of biomarkers Epidemiological methods and clinical approaches to occupational neurotoxicology The analysis of behavioral, electrophysiological, and imaging techniques in the diagnosis of neurotoxicity Occupational neurotoxicity in developing countries The evaluation and management of occupational illnesses due to neurotoxicity Occupational Neurotoxicology concisely covers important facts on the adverse effects of chemical, biological, and physical agents that can impair or alter the structure of the nervous system. Professionals and researchers in the fields of occupational medicine, toxicology, epidemiology, neurology, industrial hygiene, and psychology will all find relevant information on the health problems that can occur from exposure to neurotoxicants.