Neurotoxicants And Neurobiological Function

Provided here is a critical evaluation of the literature concerning the chemical and biological properties of organic forms of environmentally relevant heavy metals. Data is presented on the economic use, chemical use and importance of the agents along with their chemical properties, biological effects and environmental fate. In addition, chapters cover the neuropathological, neurophysiological, neurochemical and behavioral effects of organotin, lead and mercury. Later chapters are devoted to a discussion of issues involved in evaluating the effects of exposure to low doses of heavy metals and the impact of experimental data on regulatory policy.

Provided here is a critical evaluation of the literature concerning the chemical and biological properties of organic forms of environmentally relevant heavy metals. Data is presented on the economic use, chemical use and importance of the agents along with their chemical properties, biological effects and environmental fate. In addition, chapters cover the neuropathological, neurophysiological, neurochemical and behavioral effects of organotin, lead and mercury. Later chapters are devoted to a discussion of issues involved in evaluating the effects of exposure to low doses of heavy metals and the impact of experimental data on regulatory policy.

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.

The most recent volume in the Drinking Water and Health series contains the results of a two-part study on the toxicity of drinking water contaminants. The first part examines current practices in risk assessment, identifies new noncancerous toxic responses to chemicals found in drinking water, and discusses the use of pharmacokinetic data to estimate the delivered dose and response. The second part of the book provides risk assessments for 14 specific compounds, 9 presented here for the first time.

This unique volume provides interdisciplinary coverage of the mechanistic perspective of neurotoxicity that focuses on the site of action of known neurotoxins. It provides the reader with an insight into the common characteristics of neurotoxin action on the nervous system and examines sites of action at three levels of complexity: molecular, cellu