Pesticides and Neurological Diseases

Since the publication of the original edition in 1982, pesticide-related poisonings, both single cases and epidemic-scale situations, have continued to occur unabated. This new edition of Pesticides and Neurological Diseases reviews current literature describing the effects of insecticides (chlorinated hydrocarbons, organophosphorus and carbamate esters, and the pyrethroid esters), fungicides (organomercurials, dithiocarbamates), and herbicides (chlorophenoxy acids and esters) on the mammalian nervous system. Acute and chronic exposures have resulted in both subtle and serious neurological deficits in the peripheral and central nervous systems, marked by transient effects preceding those of delayed onset and of persistent duration. The chapters have been largely revised and rewritten to introduce newer theories of mechanism(s) of action studied at the laboratory bench. New findings and observations on human intoxications are included as well. This reference will interest physicians involved in environmental medicine and occupational health, as well as graduate students and researchers in the fields of neurophysiology, pharmacology, and the toxicology of pesticides. It may also be useful to the layperson interested in learning more about chemicals routinely used in the home, garden, greenhouse, orchards, and fields.