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National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

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Your Environment. Your Health.

Publication Detail

Title: A global perspective on the influence of environmental exposures on the nervous system.

Authors: Tshala-Katumbay, Desire; Mwanza, Jean-Claude; Rohlman, Diane S; Maestre, Gladys; Oriá, Reinaldo B

Published In Nature, (2015 Nov 19)

Abstract: Economic transitions in the era of globalization warrant a fresh look at the neurological risks associated with environmental change. These are driven by industrial expansion, transfer and mobility of goods, climate change and population growth. In these contexts, risk of infectious and non-infectious diseases are shared across geographical boundaries. In low- and middle-income countries, the risk of environmentally mediated brain disease is augmented several fold by lack of infrastructure, poor health and safety regulations, and limited measures for environmental protection. Neurological disorders may occur as a result of direct exposure to chemical and/or non-chemical stressors, including but not limited to, ultrafine particulate matters. Individual susceptibilities to exposure-related diseases are modified by genetic, epigenetic and metagenomic factors. The existence of several uniquely exposed populations, including those in the areas surrounding the Niger Delta or north western Amazon oil operations; those working in poorly regulated environments, such as artisanal mining industries; or those, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, relying on cassava as a staple food, offers invaluable opportunities to advance the current understanding of brain responses to environmental challenges. Increased awareness of the brain disorders that are prevalent in low- and middle-income countries and investments in capacity for further environmental health-related research are positive steps towards improving human health.

PubMed ID: 26580326 Exiting the NIEHS site

MeSH Terms: Biomedical Research/trends; Developing Countries/economics; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects*; Humans; Industrial Development; Internationality*; Nervous System Diseases/chemically induced; Nervous System Diseases/etiology*; Neurocognitive Disorders/chemically induced; Neurocognitive Disorders/etiology

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