Everyone is at risk of being adversely affected by neurotoxic substances, but individuals in certain age groups, states of health, and occupations face a greater probability of adverse effects. These include Fetuses, children, the elderly, and anyone who works with, or is exposed to, neurotoxic chemicals or neurotoxic heavy or organic metals is at risk. Anyone working with petrochemicals like toluene, styrene, benzene, xylene, mineral spirits, paint thinners and removers, chlorinated hydrocarbons, inks and dyes, sealers and cleaners, organic metals or heavy metals like mercury, lead, organic tin, to name a few, should be aware and take the necessary preventative measures to ensure these hazardous neurotoxins do not enter the body. Pesticide users can also be susceptible to neurotoxicity. Even exposure to heavy metals like arsenic found excessively in ground water in India have shown to cause neurotoxicity. Certain herbal and ayurvedic medicines commonly perceived to be lacking any side effects , have toxic levels of heavy metals causing neurotoxicity.

Occupational groups at greater risks are: painters, varnishers, carpet layers, auto mechanics, pavers, chemists, welders, factory workers, hair stylists, pesticide sprayers, printers, plus many more. People who intentionally abuse these chemicals, (glue sniffers), are also at a high risk of developing permanent neurotoxicity. Routes of entry into the body maybe breathing in the vapors, skin absorption, and ingestion. Individuals with certain disorders may be especially vulnerable to neurotoxicants.

Symptoms may appear immediately after exposure or be delayed. They sometimes start as flu like symptoms. Neurotoxic chemicals and heavy and organic metals attack the immune system. They attack and destroy the central nervous system (CNS), and/or the peripheral nervous system (PNS). They may concomitantly affect other organs like the liver, brain, kidneys, etc. Medical symptoms include problems with memory, dizziness, lightheadedness, concentration, emotion, personality changes, sleep disturbances including sleep apnea and insomnia, extreme tiredness and chronic fatigue symptoms, headaches, pain and/or numbness in the limbs, learning ability, loss of motivation, loss of interest in daily activities and hobbies, impaired attention, impaired judgment, may include hearing problems including hearing loss and tinnitus (loud sounds, sirens, or ringing in the ears), visual disturbances. In patients suffering from neurotoxicity abnormalities may be found on neuropsychological testing, electrophysiological testing or brain imaging. However these investigations may entirely be normain some cases.

For the most part, long term memory remains intact and preserved, ( i.e. where you went to school when you were young, other events from from long ago). Short term memory is usually heavily impaired, (forgetting recent events or people, or what you did or what was said an hour ago, unable to remember new things or learn new abilities, etc.).

Treatment involves eliminating or reducing exposure to the toxic substance, followed by symptomatic and supportive therapy. In the case of occupational groups approved breathing apparatus (mask) should be worn and proper ventilation of the work area be made compulsory. Workers must wear gloves and protective clothing to prevent skin absorption and Wash their hands thoroughly before eating.

If you work with, or suspect you work with any neurotoxic chemicals, heavy or organic metals, please obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from your employer or supplier of the products or substances used. The law provides them to be supplied to you when requested within a reasonable time limit.

The prognosis depends upon the length and degree of exposure and the severity of neurological injury. In some instances, exposure to neurotoxicants can be fatal. In others, patients may survive but not fully recover. In other situations, many individuals recover completely after treatment.