Scientific Studies: Neurotoxic Injury Not Treatable

Scientific Studies:

Neurotoxic Injury Not Treatable

The Journal of Neurological Science published a review from the Department of Neurology, USF Health, University of South Florida entitled The allegory of a mountain: An environmental introduction to neurotoxicology on August 29, 2007.

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Neurotoxicology is the science which investigates the relationship between exposures to chemical or physical agents and adverse effects on the nervous system. Most studies of neurotoxicology are carried out on animals and mammals.

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Prockop, the researcher at the University of South Florida, states, "many of the substances to which humans are being exposed are relatively new to the environment, i.e., the products of a sophisticated industrial development. As a result humans are exposed to volatile organic compounds not previously present in our environment in significant amounts" and the effects of these VOC's on the human body has not been thoroughly studied.

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Industry is important to the world as we know it in that it has provided for the niceties of life and the economic growth of society. Unfortunately, industry often requires the use of volatile organic compounds (VOC) which have negative effects.

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Many illnesses may been linked to environmental pollution from industry, including autism, attention deficit disorder, sudden infant death syndrome, cancer, Lou Gehrig's disease, multiple sclerosis, multiple chemical sensitivity, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and even behavioral disorders. These conditions are being seen more and more in our society, particularly among young children.

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Prockhop feels "it is also important for us to determine what concentration of a given substance may produce short-term effects or chronic long-term effects" on the human body.

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It is crucial to examine how human exposure can be prevented since irreversible damage may occur and there is no medical treatment that can lead to improvement. "Prevention of neurotoxic injury is essential" according to Prockhop.

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One thing we can do as individuals is to limit our exposure to VOC's in the home and workplace. While we cannot control ambient air pollution until regulations are enacted and enforced, we can still limit our exposure by practicing avoidance where possible.

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Remember, there is no treatment for recovery from neurotoxic injury. Prevention, avoidance, and awareness are key .

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Reference:

Prockop LD. The allegory of a mountain: An environmental introduction to neurotoxicology. J Neurol Sci. 2007 Aug 29.