Neurological Impact of Persistent Organic Pollutants

Parabens, phthalates, toluene, and benzene are toxins implicated in neurological disorders. Parabens are antifungal and antibacterial chemicals widely found in personal care products such as soap, shampoo, cosmetics, and perfume. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin. They are classified as endocrine disrupters and estrogen mimics and damage the mitochondria.  

Benzene and toluene are volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Benzene is found in gasoline and cleaning products and is used in the production of plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Living near a highway and therefore breathing in vehicle exhaust is associated with benzene exposure. Forest fires also release benzene into the environment.  This means a significant portion of the population in the Western U.S. is exposed to benzene every summer and fall, due to exposure to wildfire smoke released from wildfires burning for weeks at a time. Toluene is another common environmental toxin. It can be found in paint thinners, paintbrush cleaners, nail polish, glues, inks, stain removers, and groundwater. Exposure also occurs when breathing in car exhaust and cigarette smoke.

As I share with my patients and doctors across the country, if we aren’t testing we are guessing on what obstacles may be present in any given patient. Afterall there are often many roads to the same destination.

Common Environmental Toxins

For more information on Phthalates and Parabens, watch the webinars below.

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