Occupational Neurotoxicology

Occupational Neurotoxicology, Volume Seven covers neurotoxicants and exposures to a variety of hazards in the workplace and how they can affect nervous functions in different ways. Metals and organic compounds, both at high level acute exposure and long-term low-level exposure can affect motor functions, cognition, behavior and neurosensory functions. Sections cover Oil leakage in aircraft, aerotoxic syndrome, Organic solvents, WTC neurotoxicities, Environmental intolerance, Pesticides, Carbon monoxide, Mercury Neurotoxicity in Gold Miners, and the Current evolution of neurobehavioral methods. Provides updated information about exposure and neurotoxic outcomes Includes indication on new tools for neurobehavioral assessment Covers practical indications on preventive aspects

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.

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

Occupational Neurology a volume in the Handbook of Clinical Neurology Series, provides a comprehensive overview of the science, clinical diagnosis, and treatment for neurotoxin related neurological and psychiatric disorders. This timely collection provides not only a complete scientific reference on the chemical origin of this class of neurological and psychiatric disorders, but also a practical guide to diagnosis and treatment challenges and best practices. Handbook of Clinical Neurology Series The first volume of the Handbook of Clinical Neurology under the editorship of George Bruyn and Pierre Vinken was published in 1968. In 1982, the series was brought to an interim conclusion with the publication of the cumulative index volume (Volume 44). By that stage, the Handbook had come to represent one of the largest scientific works ever published. It enjoys a high reputation in specialist media circles throughout the world. After the series was concluded in 1982, it was realized that an update of the material was imperative. Accordingly, a revised series was planned and published over the following years, concluding with the publication of another cumulative index to both series (Volume 76-78) in 2002. Since then, George Bruyn has passed away and Pierre Vinken has retired, but the need for a further new series, incorporating advances in the field, again become necessary. Professors Michael J. Aminoff, François Boller and Dick F. Swaab have with enthusiasm taken on the responsibility of supervising the preparation of a third series, the first volumes of which were published in 2003. Now, more than 130 volumes after the first published, the Handbook of Clinical Neurology series continues to have an unparalleled reputation for providing the latest foundational research, diagnosis, and treatment protocols essential for both basic neuroscience research and clinical neurology. Provides comprehensive coverage of neurotoxins, especially in the workplace Details the latest science as the foundation for neurotoxicity diagnosis and treatment Presents coverage of the diagnosis and treatment essential for clinical neurologists and occupational medicine specialists

âMedical Neurotoxicologyã is the only up-to-date reference text aimed at the clinician covering both occupational and environmental causes of neurological disease. Although classic occupational poisonings by agents such as heavy metals are now rare in the West, environmental exposure to chemicals such as pesticides or electromagnetic radiation is almost universal - even mild contact can cause subtle psychological or neurological disturbances. One of the unique features of this book is that it provides details of how to examine the patient, how to conduct and interpret epidemiological surveys and how to interpret the signs and symptoms of poisoning - no other text can boast such detailed, step-by-step coverage. The book is aimed at the neurologist and the occupational physician, highlighting topics such as the choice of appropriate tests, differential diagnosis and therapy. However, it will also appeal to clinicians, pharmacists, environmentalists, toxicologists and pharmacologists. With recent cases such as Gulf War Syndrome, and general concern about the effects of chemicals, pesticides and electromagnetic radiation on health, the topic has never been higher in the public consciousness. The effects of exposure to chemical, physical and biological agents, whether at work or in the general environment, are explored in depth. Specific environmental dangers include heavy metals, aluminium, pesticides and solvents. There are also major sections on naturally occurring neuro-toxins, which include poisonous animals and plants, insect-borne diseases and microbiological toxins. Symptoms which the clinician should recognise and ways of assessing a patient are outlined to enable correct diagnosis and management of neurotoxic illnesses.

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.