Neurotoxicity and Chemoreception: A Systematic Review of Neurotoxicity Effects on Smell and Taste

Abstract

Several different types of exposure have the potential to produce olfactory and gustatory deficits related to neurotoxicity. Although the literature contains relatively few studies of such chemoreceptive dysfunction in the context of toxic exposure, this review explores the strength of such published associations. Several studies collectively demonstrated moderately strong evidence for an association between manganese dust exposure and olfactory deficits. Evidence of associations between individual chemicals, therapeutics, and composites, such as World Trade Center debris, and olfactory and gustatory deficits remains limited or mixed. Further need for controlled studies for clinical management, exposure limits, and policy development is identified.

Keywords: Ageusia; Anosmia; Chemoreception; Gustation; Neurotoxicity; Olfaction; Smell; Taste.