7. Exposure to Toxic chemicals
Exposure to toxic chemicals and heavy metals is known to cause several complications to the human body. In many cases, some chemicals can lead to permanent organ damage, weakening of the immune system, contracting conditions such as allergies or asthma, or worse, reproductive complications and birth defects. Some people even develop cancer over long term exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Studies have revealed that toxic or poisonous chemicals can paralyze the peripheral nervous system causing neuropathy. Exposure can happen through drug or chemical abuse or exposure to dangerous industrial chemicals at the workplace. Common chemicals that are known to cause neuropathy include mercury, lead, thallium, and arsenic. It has also been established that certain herbal medicines like the Chinese herbal medicines have mercury and arsenic in them that can potentially cause peripheral neuropathy. Acrylamide, ethanol, ethylene glycol, hexacarbonyl, dioxides, and saxitoxins among others can also cause neuropathy.