Fetuses, children, the elderly, and anyone who works with, or is exposed to, neurotoxic chemicals or neurotoxic heavy or organic metals is at risk. Anyone working with petrochemicals like toluene, styrene, benzene, xylene, mineral spirits, paint thinners and removers, chlorinated hydrocarbons, inks and dyes, sealers and cleaners, organic metals or heavy metals like mercury, lead, organic tin, to name a few, should be aware and take the necessary preventative measures to ensure these hazardous neurotoxins do not enter the body. Routes of entry into the body are breathing in the vapors, skin absorption, and ingestion. Neurotoxic vapors occur when the substance evaporates. The vapors are heavier than air and can travel great distances seeking out the lowest area.
Ingestion occurs when the substances enter our digestive tract.
Synthetic fibers in the air that you breath in through your mouth because of heavy labor, also enter the digestive tract. Often, as with certain trades like carpet laying, the materials or glues will not set up properly when exposed to cold air, so outside air ventilation is not an option Wear gloves and protective clothing to prevent skin absorption. Wash your hands thoroughly before eating. Signs and Symptoms Symptoms sometimes start as flu like symptoms. Neurotoxic chemicals and heavy and organic metals attack the immune system.