7. How does chemical damage to the nervous system occur?

Neurotoxicity is the action of a xenobiotic (neurotoxicant) on the nervous system. Examples include heavy metals, chemicals and biological substances (neurotoxins).

A neurotoxicant acts on the cell body, axon or synapse to modify or block nerve impulses.

At high doses, disturbances of vision and other senses, loss of motor control (general paralysis), a change in heart rhythm, possibly followed by paralysis of the breathing muscles leading to death, appear within minutes or even seconds.Some substances cross the placental barrier and disrupt the neurological development of the fetus.

The nerve agents used in chemical weapons have incapacitating, even lethal properties.