Occupational Neurotoxic Diseases in Taiwan

Abstract

Occupational neurotoxic diseases have become increasingly common in Taiwan due to industrialization. Over the past 40 years, Taiwan has transformed from an agricultural society to an industrial society. The most common neurotoxic diseases also changed from organophosphate poisoning to heavy metal intoxication, and then to organic solvent and semiconductor agent poisoning. The nervous system is particularly vulnerable to toxic agents because of its high metabolic rate. Neurological manifestations may be transient or permanent, and may range from cognitive dysfunction, cerebellar ataxia, Parkinsonism, sensorimotor neuropathy and autonomic dysfunction to neuromuscular junction disorders. This study attempts to provide a review of the major outbreaks of occupational neurotoxins from 1968 to 2012. A total of 16 occupational neurotoxins, including organophosphates, toxic gases, heavy metals, organic solvents, and other toxic chemicals, were reviewed. Peer-reviewed articles related to the electrophysiology, neuroimaging, treatment and long-term follow up of these neurotoxic diseases were also obtained. The heavy metals involved consisted of lead, manganese, organic tin, mercury, arsenic, and thallium. The organic solvents included n-hexane, toluene, mixed solvents and carbon disulfide. Toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide were also included, along with toxic chemicals including polychlorinated biphenyls, tetramethylammonium hydroxide, organophosphates, and dimethylamine borane. In addition we attempted to correlate these events to the timeline of industrial development in Taiwan. By researching this topic, the hope is that it may help other developing countries to improve industrial hygiene and promote occupational safety and health care during the process of industrialization.

Variations in Incidence and Prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease in Taiwan: A Population-Based Nationwide Study

“…An increase in PD incidence noted in this study could also be attributed to the dramatic increase in the prevalence of diabetes in Taiwan [ 44 ]. Additionally, industrialization over the past decades in Taiwan instigated the increase in the release of heavy metals, such as lead and manganese, and organic solvents from occupational settings [ 45 ], which could also contribute to the increase in PD incidence [ 45 ]. A slight increase in PD incidence and improved survival associated with the advancement of PD treatment accounted for an evident increase in PD prevalence.…”

Effects of 2,5-hexanedione on angiogenesis and vasculogenesis in chick embryos

“…Furthermore, the solvent is also used in a variety of commercial manufacture, including furniture, leather, shoes, viscose and rubber. Despite its apparent low toxicity, there is now growing concern that it might be occupationally high risk to health because of poorly ventilated systems in those factories [1][2][3][4]. n-Hexane is absorbed by inhalation or transcutaneous permeation and can accumulate in the body.…”

Intein-mediated recombinant expression of monomeric B22Asp desB30 insulin

“…Since misformed disulfides will induce lower solubility [25][26][27], faster degradation [28,29], and unwanted aggregation or precipitation [30,31], our final product displayed excellent solubility and superior stability, compared to commercially available insulin (Fig. 7), indicating no evidence of any misformed disulfides.…”