The Effect of Toxic Exposure on the Human Body

Toxic exposure can affect the human body in a variety of adverse ways. Incapable of metabolizing large amounts of toxins, the body will eventually accumulate the toxic substance and, eventually, the toxins may make their way into vital organs including the liver and kidneys.

Neurological Consequences of Toxic Exposure

Hundreds of substances have been identified as possibly having neuro-toxic effects. Exposure to these chemicals, either in the work place or elsewhere, can cause serious, and sometimes fatal, neurological damage. Some common culprits include:

• Asbestos – this is a substance that’s caused innumerable deaths around the world, and inhaling this harmful set of fibers can lead to irreversible damage to the lungs and respiratory system, even decades after initial exposure.
• Benzene – this is a naturally-occurring substance, and exposure to it in certain circumstances is almost unavoidable. Long-term exposure to benzene can lead to extreme medical consequences and even death.
• Chemical Spills – when such occurrences as train wrecks or other environmental disasters take place, thousands of tons of toxic chemicals can be released into the nearby atmosphere, creating a situation of extreme danger for anyone who lives or works nearby, and many times the true victims of such spills are completely unaware of the risks posed.
• Metals – the most harmful is lead, which is sometimes found in paint and other products. Exposure can result in decreased motor coordination and strength. Children are at highest risk for lead poisoning.
• Pesticides – exposure to pesticides can result in blurred vision, slurred speech, lung and organ failure and motor skill impairment. Pesticides can either be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
• Dust and Sand – although dust and sand is seen by many as nothing more than a minor, temporary nuisance, long-term exposure to these substances can lead to a debilitating condition known as silicosis in certain circumstances, and silicosis can lead to permanent medical damage. ??Manganese – most common exposure is on the job and specifically from welding rod fumes. Manganese can cause brain damage, tremors, sleep disturbance and clumsiness.
• Mercury – can cause brain damage, breathing problems, tremors and memory loss.
• Solvents and Fuels - Solvents and fuels such as glues, paints and paint thinners can carry serious and potentially fatal consequences. Headaches, dizziness, fatigue and confusion are often the first signs of exposure to solvents and fuels. Several solvents and fuels have been linked to permanent brain injury and dysfunctions including visual problems, motor coordination impairment and brain atrophy. Some studies suggest that long term exposure to solvents may result in symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s.
• Carbon Monoxide – carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the most common types of toxic exposure in the United States. Because it is odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is not easily detected and often victims lose consciousness before the exposure is discovered. Carbon monoxide takes the place of oxygen in the atmosphere and can cause brain damage, dementia, headaches and decreased mental ability.
• DEET (insect repellant) - A study at Duke University showed that frequent and prolonged use of the insecticide DEET in rats caused the neurons to die in regions of the brain that are responsible for muscle movement, learning, memory and concentration.

Individuals at High Risk

Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to toxic exposure. Aside from the fact that their bodies are still developing, children have more difficulty releasing toxic substances from their bodies and have more of a tendency to place things in their mouths and touch things that may be potentially harmful. Pregnant women face risks not only to themselves, but to the health of their unborn children.

Understanding Toxic Exposure Terms

Exposure Assessment - the nature and size of the population exposed to a substance and the magnitude and duration of their exposure.

Exposure Pathways - the transmission and uptake of chemicals from the source to a human receptor or other target. Pathways may include ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact.

Chemical Risk - The fraction of excess cases (mortality or morbidity) expected in a population for a period of exposure to a contaminant.

Risk Assessment – This is the process of determining the likelihood of short and long term adverse consequences to individuals or groups from the use of a particular technology in a particular area.