Neurological Disorders Induced by Environmental Toxins or Agents

Dear Colleagues,

Neurological disorders induced by environmental toxins and agents refer to diseases and dysfunctions of the nervous system caused by exposure to harmful chemical, biological, or physical substances in the environment. These toxins can damage neurons, glial cells, and neural pathways, leading to cognitive impairments, motor dysfunction, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Over the past several decades, research has increasingly linked exposure to various toxic agents—from industrial chemicals and pesticides to heavy metals—to a broad spectrum of central or peripheral nervous system conditions. Of special concern are the persistent organic pollutants (POPs), a class of toxic chemicals that are resistant to environmental degradation, and most of them are neurotoxic. Due to their persistence, POPs bioaccumulate in food chains and are widely distributed, making POPs a significant global public risk. Similarly, the neural effects of food dyes and additives are poorly known and require research attention.

The burden of environment-related neurological diseases remains difficult to quantify precisely due to underreporting, long latency periods, and limited data in many low- and middle-income countries. However, evidence is mounting that environmental factors contribute significantly to the global increase in neurodegenerative diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders.

The objectives of this topic are wide-ranging: characterization of clinical neurology generated by environmental neurotoxicants, identification of neurotoxic agents, understanding pathophysiological mechanisms, epidemiological surveillance, risk assessment, prevention and therapeutic development, and similar issues.

This Special Issue aims to collect research articles, reviews (including systematic reviews and meta-analyses), and preclinical studies with experimental models.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Medicina.

Prof. Dr. Eduardo Rodríguez-Farré
Guest Editor

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• environmental neurology
• environmental neurotoxins
• neurotoxin pathophysiology