Environmental toxins

Ataxia can be caused by exposure to environmental toxins, in particular toluene and methylmercury. People at risk of toluene toxicity are those exposed to organic solvents such as car mechanics and painters. Chronic toxicity results in headache, cerebellar ataxia, irritability, loss of concentration, and memory loss. Kidney problems may also occur.  The main way that people are exposed to methylmercury is through accidental exposure—for example, by eating fish that contain the chemical.