Equilibrium disorder induced by environmental chemicals

Abstract

　Environmental chemical pollutants can induce an equilibrium disorder, but the mechanism of such a disorder remains unclear for most chemicals. We demonstrate herein that representative chemicals are associated with balance impairment. Some Yusho patients, a toxic accident due to dioxin and PCBs, had dizziness without any vestibular disorder but with the impairment of the peripheral nerves. Farmers using pesticides are likely to have dizziness. The organophosphate that inhibits cholinesterase may induce equilibrium impairment with a vestibular disorder. Other pesticides including pyrethroid and carbamate may also cause dizziness. However the mechanism underlying the dizziness has not been understood in detail. Further research is needed in order to resolve equilibrium disorders due to environmental chemical pollutants.