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.

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.

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

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.

Exposure to toxic chemicalsâ€"in the workplace and at homeâ€"is increasing every day. Human behavior can be affected by such exposure and can give important clues that a person or population is in danger. If we can understand the mechanisms of these changes, we can develop better ways of testing for toxic chemical exposure and, most important, better prevention programs. This volume explores the emerging field of neurobehavioral toxicology and the potential of behavior studies as a noninvasive and economical means for risk assessment and monitoring. Pioneers in this field explore its promise for detecting environmental toxins, protecting us from exposure, and treating those who are exposed.

Environmental Factors in Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders presents a state-of-the-art review of the effects of environmental contaminants on the development and degeneration of the human nervous system, brought together by world-leading experts in the field. Part One describes the adverse effects that the environment can have on neurological development, and how these effects may exhibit. Specific contaminants and their possible consequences of exposure are addressed (lead, methylmercury, alcohol), as well as specific disorders and the environmental factors associated with them, such as the effect of diet on attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders. Part Two tackles neurodegenerative disorders, specifically addressing their potential neurotoxic origins, and discussing the increasing interest in the effects that early exposure may have in later life. Environmental Factors in Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders is an invaluable reference for those professionals working in the fields of toxicology, environmental health and neuroscience. Provides, for the first time, the cutting-edge theory of environmental impacts on both neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders Written by an international selection of the world’s foremost experts in the field of neurotoxicology Full-colour throughout, providing accurate and illustrative examples of neurotoxic effects in action An invaluable reference for those professionals working in the fields of toxicology, environmental health, and neuroscience