What types of substances pose the greatest risk of brain injury from toxic exposure in Virginia?

 

A: Although nearly one thousand different substances have been identified as toxic to the brain in instances of increased exposure, there are four main categories of materials that can have neurotoxic effects (harmful effects on the brain):

• Metals:  Although lead exposure has gained the most media attention and can cause the most adverse effects on the brain (especially to children), mercury and manganese have also been identified as hazardous substances to the brain.  All three metals can cause serious brain damage, resulting in physical and neurological symptoms and side effects, such as memory loss and problems with motor skills.
• Carbon Monoxide:  Since carbon monoxide can not be detected in the atmosphere to the naked eye (or nose), many people exposed to carbon monoxide suffer a loss of consciousness caused by the lack of oxygen to the brain.  Many victims of carbon monoxide poisoning suffer fatal injuries, and survivors often have problems learning, suffer from depression and irritability, have frequent headaches, and sustain other forms of brain damage affecting daily life.
• Pesticides:  Even if the exposure to pesticides is short-term or limited, many serious side effects may result from exposure to any number of pesticides.  Among the effects of pesticide exposure are blurred vision, headaches, problems walking, slurred speech, other neurological problems, and even organ or lung failure.
  
• Fuels and Other Solvents:  You've heard it before-- don't work with glue or paint indoors without opening a window.  This advice is not to be taken lightly; many paints, paint thinners, and glues contain complex organic compounds that can be hazardous to the brain.  Among the effects of exposure to fuels, glue, paint, or other solvents are fatigue, dizziness, confusion, and headache, and some solvents may cause long-term neurological problems or diseases like balance problems, atrophy of the brain, problems with coordination and vision, and even dementia or an Alzheimer's-like illness.  Victims of exposure to some solvents suffer from the loss of smell (or at least changes in the sense of smell), memory loss, attention problems, and weakness or numbness in the arms and legs.  Some of these toxins may even result in emotional problems, such as anxiety and depression.

If you believe that you or a family member has suffered brain damage from as the result of toxic exposure in the state of Virginia, feel free to contact Norfolk brain injury attorney Lawrence Land for free resources and answers to your pressing questions.  Contact Land online or toll-free at 800-800-1911.