Neurotoxicity of pesticides in the context of CNS chronic diseases

ABSTRACT

Following the introduction and application of pesticides in human life, they have always been along with health concerns both in acute poisoning and chronic toxicities. Neurotoxicity of pesticides in chronic exposures has been known as one of the most important human health problems, as most of these chemicals act through interacting with some elements of nervous system. Pesticide-induced neurotoxicity can be defined in different categories of neurological disorders including neurodegenerative (Alzheimer, Parkinson, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis), neurodevelopmental (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delay, and intellectual disability), neurobehavioral and neuropsychiatric (depression/suicide attempt, anxiety/insomnia, and cognitive impairment) disorders some of which are among the most debilitating human health problems. In this review, neurotoxicity of pesticides in the mentioned categories and sub-categories of neurological diseases have been systematically presented in relation to different route of exposures including general, occupational, environmental, prenatal, postnatal, and paternal.

KEYWORDS:

• Pesticides
• neurotoxicity
• neurological disorders

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Ethics approval

This work was approved by the Regional Research Ethics Committee at Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran (Ethics code: IR.ARUMS.REC.1399.630).

Additional information

Funding

The project was approved by Ardabil University of Medical Sciences [6420];