Occupational neurotoxic diseases have become increasingly common in Taiwan due 
to industrialization. Over the past 40 years, Taiwan has transformed from an 
agricultural society to an industrial society. The most common neurotoxic 
diseases also changed from organophosphate poisoning to heavy metal 
intoxication, and then to organic solvent and semiconductor agent poisoning. The 
nervous system is particularly vulnerable to toxic agents because of its high 
metabolic rate. Neurological manifestations may be transient or permanent, and 
may range from cognitive dysfunction, cerebellar ataxia, Parkinsonism, 
sensorimotor neuropathy and autonomic dysfunction to neuromuscular junction 
disorders. This study attempts to provide a review of the major outbreaks of 
occupational neurotoxins from 1968 to 2012. A total of 16 occupational 
neurotoxins, including organophosphates, toxic gases, heavy metals, organic 
solvents, and other toxic chemicals, were reviewed. Peer-reviewed articles 
related to the electrophysiology, neuroimaging, treatment and long-term follow 
up of these neurotoxic diseases were also obtained. The heavy metals involved 
consisted of lead, manganese, organic tin, mercury, arsenic, and thallium. The 
organic solvents included n-hexane, toluene, mixed solvents and carbon 
disulfide. Toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide were also 
included, along with toxic chemicals including polychlorinated biphenyls, 
tetramethylammonium hydroxide, organophosphates, and dimethylamine borane. In 
addition we attempted to correlate these events to the timeline of industrial 
development in Taiwan. By researching this topic, the hope is that it may help 
other developing countries to improve industrial hygiene and promote 
occupational safety and health care during the process of industrialization.