The Nervous System and Neurological Problems

The nervous system is made up of two parts:

• Central nervous system (CNS): this part of the nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord

• Peripheral nervous system (PNS): this is the system that branches off the central nervous system. Included in the PNS is the autonomic nervous system that helps control things like the heart, lungs, stomach, and intestines. The autonomic nervous system also includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system is the one best known for the "fight" or "flight" reaction to danger or some other stimulus.

Several indoor air pollutants can have an affect on the nervous system. Those chemicals that are toxic to nerves are called neurotoxins. Health problems of the nervous system are called neurological problems.

Examples of indoor air pollutants that may cause nervous system problems include:

• Lead

• Pesticides

• Carbon monoxide

• Mercury

• Solvents

• Sulfur dioxide

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)