Expert Witness

Neurotoxicologist

Dr. Deborah Norris has been the Neurotoxicologist for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics since 1994. Dr. Norris is an international expert in health/risk issues in neurotoxicology, neuropharmacology, psychopharmacology, developmental neurotoxicology, behavioral toxicology , neuroendocrine toxicology and environmental illnesses. Dr. Norris has been responsible for the development of Federal Test Rules and Testing Guidelines. She is responsible for the evaluation of health effects of chemicals and risk assessment for numerous chemicals.

Dr. Norris was the United States Technical Lead for the European Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development regarding neurotoxicity testing, and an expert member regarding developmental neurotoxicity.

Dr. Norris has served with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Research Planning Committee on The Health Impact of Chemical Exposures During the Gulf War.

Dr. Norris has been Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at Georgetown University Medical School, and Adjunct Professor of Psychology and Scientist-in-Residence at American University.

Expertise: Dr. Norris' expertise includes neurotoxicology, brain and other nervous system effects of chemical substances, behavioral effects of chemical exposures, memory dysfunction, Gulf War Illnesses, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, environmental illnesses, federal regulations and guidelines.

Description: Toxic chemicals can damage the brain and other parts of the nervous system and affect a person's behavior. A person may or may not be aware of such effects when they occur. Neurotoxicity is the result of such damage. Symptoms may include problems with memory, perception, concentration, reaction time, sleep, thinking, language, as well as depression, numbness of the hands and feet, confusion, personality changes, seizures and even death. Many nervous system disorders are related to neurotoxicity, including neurologic and psychiatric problems. Legal problems can also result from irrational, unusual or violent behavior.

Related illness: Dr. Norris has served on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention board of regarding Gulf War Syndrome and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

Dr. Norris has been admitted in Washington, D.C. Superior Court, Virginia Beach, Virginia Circuit Court, and Dare County, Chicago Trial Court. She is available as an expert witness for defense/plaintiff, civil/criminal, and as a pre-trial consultant depositions/administrative hearings/affidavits.