Human brain is the most complex organ that controls various complicated
functions like behavior, learning, talking, memorizing, organizing, listening,
performance of routine skills and interaction with environment. The vulnerability of
brain towards toxic effects of occupational hazards is very high due to the presence of
high amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids and high metabolism. Interference with
xenobiotics or occupational hazards disrupts homeostatic processes and may cause long
lasting effects in humans including behavioural abnormalities, cognitive deficits,
depression and movement disorders. Prolonged exposure to toxicants and occupational
hazards leads to altered membrane and lipid rafts leading to various neurological
disorders including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, a deep knowledge
of occupation induced hazards mediated alteration on normal brain development and
function will add to the research of minimizing this risk. In the present chapter,
different occupational hazards are discussed with their deleterious effects on human
brain.
Keywords: Brain, Occupational hazards, Pesticides, Heavy metals, Industrial
chemicals, Radiation, Neurological disorders, Stress, Oxidative stress, Toxicity,
Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Neurobehavior.
