Neurotoxicology

Neurotoxicology examines the harmful effects that toxic substances have on the nervous system, particularly how chemicals disrupt the brain's structure and function. Neurotoxins, which can be found in environmental pollutants, pharmaceuticals, and occupational settings, pose significant risks to both acute and chronic neurological health. Conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, cognitive decline, and movement disorders can result from exposure to these toxins. Understanding the pathways through which neurotoxins exert their effects—such as through oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction—has become a critical area of research. Additionally, advances in toxicology are leading to improved risk assessments, better safety protocols, and therapeutic interventions that can mitigate the damage caused by neurotoxic substances.