Neurotoxic effects of selected metals

Scand J Work Environ Health. 1994:20 Spec No:65-71.

Abstract

A chemical is considered to be neurotoxic if it is capable of inducing a consistent pattern of neural dysfunction or lesion in the nervous system. Several metals are known as neurotoxic. Among them, four have been selected as being especially important from the occupational point of view, lead, manganese, aluminium, and mercury. All four have proved to be neurotoxic even though the toxic mechanisms may be unclear or unknown. This paper reviews the recently published documentation on the neurotoxic properties of these metals, from the general as well the occupational point of view.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aluminum / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Lead Poisoning / diagnosis
  • Manganese / adverse effects
  • Mercury Poisoning / diagnosis
  • Metals / adverse effects*
  • Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Neurologic Examination / drug effects
  • Occupational Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Metals
  • Manganese
  • Aluminum