Understanding chemical toxicity exposure

Chemical exposure - We are all exposed to chemicals in our daily lives. From the food we eat and the air we breathe, we’re constantly inhaling or ingesting them.

Neurotoxicity - When we’re exposed to these products, the normal functioning of the nervous system is affected. This is known as neurotoxicity.

Neurotoxicity - Neurotoxicants can be natural or man-made. Both can have adverse effects on our nervous system and the brain.

Toxic products - Toxic products may include pesticides, cosmetics, air fresheners, and fragrances, as well as industrial and cleaning solvents.

Toxic products - Other substances that can be neurotoxic to us include chemotherapy drugs, radiation, heavy metals, and certain food additives.

Symptoms of neurotoxicity - Symptoms could occur shortly after being exposed to the substance, or later. These may include short-term memory loss, insomnia, and headaches.

Diagnosis of neurotoxicity - A nerve conduction test is usually done to ascertain whether the peripheral nervous system has been affected.

Treatment of neurotoxicity - Eliminating exposure to what causes the issue is the first step. Avoiding being exposed to further air, food, and water pollutants also helps.

Toxic encephalopathy - While many of the harmful effects of toxic chemical exposure are felt in the short term, in the long term neurotoxicity can affect neurons in the brain.

Symptoms of toxic encephalopathy - Symptoms of toxic encephalopathy vary greatly and may include a loss of neurocognitive function.

What is MCS? - People who suffer from MCS report sensitivity to a variety of chemicals in their environment. These may include chemicals found in food, cleaning products, and medicines.

Toxic exposure - Other chemicals that can trigger symptoms include fragrances and smoke, but also other things, such as electromagnetic fields.

Is it an illness? - American physician Theron Randolph first suggested MCS to be a disease in 1950, but to this day the World Health Organization (WHO) does not recognize MCS as an illness.

Is it an illness? - While the American Medical Association shares the same position as the WHO, MCS has been recognized as a disability in some countries, including Canada and Germany.