Considering the advancements in the current era, the concentration and presence of detrimental chemicals in the products we use during our day-to-day lives has escalated rapidly. Overtime, these destructive chemical substances can severely impact the nervous system and cause neurological deficits. Here’s a list of the most damaging chemicals for the human brain: –
1. Fluoride.
Found in toothpaste and fluoridated drinking water, a trace of this mineral proves to be beneficial. However, if taken in excess, fluoride can prove to be a disastrous neurotoxin. Not only does it have adverse effects on the brain during early development, but also lowers IQ among young children. It can combine with Aluminum, forming Aluminum fluoride, providing the harmful Aluminum an easy access through the blood-brain barrier. The presence of Aluminum Fluoride has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, using fluoridated water doubles the risk of hypothyroidism. Gradual degeneration of brain parts such as the hippocampus and cerebellum are also caused by fluoride, along with impaired function of the pineal gland.
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2. Heavy metals.
Heavy metals, particularly mercury and lead, are highly toxic to both central and peripheral nervous system. Exposure during intrauterine life can lead to adverse effects on the brain after birth. Studies have revealed that individuals suffer from neurological and behavioral disorders after ingestion, inhalation or dermal exposure to mercury and lead compounds. These are also known to cause severe symptoms, such as tremors, insomnia, neuromuscular deficits, headaches and motor dysfunction. Even the lowest blood lead concentrations have been associated with decreased intelligence in children and young adults.
3. Pesticides.
The two classes of pesticides named organophosphates and carbamates predominantly result in developmental toxicity. These chemical substances interfere with nerve signal transmission in the brain and spinal cord. Long-term pesticide exposure can cause symptoms like migraine, nausea, chest pain, diarrhea, muscular pain and confusion. In case of severe pesticide poisoning, there may be adverse effects such as convulsions, breathing difficulty, coma and even death. Additionally, organochlorines found in pesticides are nervous system stimulants which lead to tremors, hyper excitability and even seizures.
4. Tetrachloroethylene:
Widely used in the textile industry and dry cleaning, this chemical poses a risk to the brain’s health and can be severely hazardous. Acute or immediate effects of tetrachloroethylene inhalation include behavioral changes, problems with coordination, dizziness, persistent headaches, fatigue and even unconsciousness. Chronic effects include detrimental effects on the sensory nervous system, memory, attention, reaction time and also causes color vision deficits. Moreover, according to researchers, individuals who consistently inhale air contaminated with tetrachloroethylene have a much greater risk of developing brain tumor than individuals who do not.
5. Phthalates.
Commonly used in cosmetic products and plastic ware, phthalates adversely impact the hippocampus, a region of the brain involved in memory and learning, particularly in young adults and growing children. The harmful chemical is also known to reduce the number of neurons and synapses in the brain tissue. According to studies conducted, both male and female rats exposed to phthalates faced a decrease in their prefrontal cortex and an overall deficit in cognitive flexibility.
Considering the significance of the central nervous system, it is indeed vital to stay conscious while using products containing hazardous chemical substances.
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Team Doctor ASKY!