Running Head: NEUROTOXIN EXPOSURE IN UTERO
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Neurotoxin Exposure in Utero
LASA 1
By Brenda Chavez
Argosy University
PS6014
Dr. Rigdon
NEUROTOXIN EXPOSURE IN UTERO
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Summary of Disorder
The brain is the most complex organ in the body, as it is comprised of billions of nerves,
called neurons, and other cells that help to control the entire function of an individual.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2007), the average weight of a brain is about
3 pounds. This three-pound organ is vital to a person’s existence because the brain controls and
coordinates actions and reactions. It allows for a person to think, feel, see, hear, taste and smell.
It enables the ability to have emotions and memories. Because of these life-changing abilities,
tampering with the functions of the brain when the brain is still developing in the womb could
tremendously affect a child if it is not developed fully.
Neurotoxin exposure, more specifically, drug exposure in utero is discussed in the
following pages. Prenatal drug exposure can cause permanent neurological, developmental, and
behavioral effects (Brady et. al., 1994). Implications of being exposed to illicit drug use and
early development, how it affects school-aged learning, memory and performance in school,
secondary and post-secondary affects, socialization, peer relationships, and emotional
development will be discussed. Lastly, recommended treatments for interventions at the
preschool, school-aged and secondary levels of development will be examined.
Defined
Holloman (2018) defines neurotoxins as a synthetic or naturally occurring substance that
can harm, destroy and/or impair the central and/or peripheral nervous system. Holloman (2018)
also states that it may cause metabolic imbalances that can also cause harm to the central nervous
system (CNS). Neurotoxin exposure can occur in many different ways, including in the
workplace, home, school and/or community. It is typically assumed that when a baby has been
exposed in utero to substances and or chemicals, that it was to drugs like marijuana,
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methamphetamine, cocaine and/or alcohol. According to the Women’s Voices for the Earth
(2014), some of the chemicals that they recommend for pregnant women to stay away from
include; synthetic fragrances, parabens, sodium laureth sulfate, oxybenzone, none BPA-free
products, papers with Bisphenol-A, triclosan, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics, and paint. Some
of these chemicals are linked to cancer, reproductive and developmental issues, birth defects and
hormone disruptions (Women’s Voices for the Earth, 2014).
Prevalence Rates
One of the biggest crises that the United States is facing is the opioid epidemic. Opioids
are a type of narcotic pain medication. When not used properly, it can be dangerous and often
times lethal. When babies are born and have been exposed to opioids in utero, they risk being
born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). According to Rappleye (2017), an estimated
average of about 6 out of 1,000 babies are born and diagnosed with NAS. The current state with
the highest reporting numbers with babies born with NAS is Tennessee, particularly Sullivan
County (Rappleye, 2017). Ross et. al. (2015), reports that less than 5% of women who were
addicts admitted to using methamphetamine during their pregnancy. Ross et. al. (2017) also
reports that the third most reported drug used amongst pregnant women is cocaine, however due
to lack of studies the rates for babies born after being exposed to cocaine in utero is unknown.
Marijuana is also a common used drug that women will use. Ross et. al. (2017) reports
that nearly 5% of women who are pregnant admit to smoking marijuana within the first trimester
of pregnancy, this number decreases as they enter their second and third trimesters. Overall,
according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse about 5.5% of pregnant women reported
taking some form of illicit drug during their pregnancy. This was based on a large-scale survey
provided by the National Institute of Drug Abuse.
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Literature Review and Statistics
A handful of current research discusses the effects of neurotoxin exposure in utero and
the affects that it has on children as they age. There are studies being conducted on the different
types of drugs and also chemicals found in our common household cleaning supplies, etc.
(Women’s Voices for the Earth, 2014). Some of the psychostimulants that are being researched
include; methamphetamine, amphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine and cocaine (Ross
et. al., 2014), opioids include; methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone (Ross et. al., 2014); and
other substances include cannabis, alcohol and tobacco (Ross et. al., 2014). These substances
have shown some or significant effects on children long-term (Ross et. al., 2014). Ross et. al.
(2014) reports that there are some important considerations for future investigations such as
