US EPA

1399543 

Technical Report 

Peripheral neuropathy caused by drugs and toxic substances 

Mc Leod, JG 

1971 

HAPAB/72/00522 

N 

REF:9 

HAPAB Peripheral neuropathy may be caused by a number of toxic chemicals including lead, arsenic, mercury, thallium, acrylamide, organophosphates, PCP, DDT, and 2,4-D. The relationship between these chemicals and peripheral neuropathy is not easily established, however, degree of exposure, time of onset of symptoms, and nature of neurological symptoms may be of help. These toxic substances all have an individual effect; organophosphates may cause a spastic paraparesis and may also involve the peripheral nerves. Most of these compounds interfere with the metabolism of the nerve cell and pathological changes in the nerve cell occur. Pathological studies and electrophysiological techniques are important in assisting to establish the nature of the underlying disorder. 1971