What does a neurotoxin cause?

A neurotoxin is a type of toxin that specifically targets the nervous system, disrupting nerve function and potentially leading to severe health consequences. The correct answer highlights that neurotoxins impair neurotransmission and can cause various symptoms, including paralysis, tremors, and other neurological issues. Neurotoxins can be derived from certain toxins produced by organisms such as insects, animals, and even some plants and bacteria, or can be synthetic chemicals used in pest control.

In contrast, the other options address different issues. Fire hazards refer to risks associated with flammable materials and do not involve toxic effects on the nervous system. Birth defects are typically associated with teratogenic substances, which can cause developmental issues during pregnancy but are not specifically linked to neurotoxic effects. Pesticide resistance indicates that pests can develop a tolerance to certain chemicals, but this concept does not directly relate to the effects of neurotoxins on the nervous system. Thus, understanding the specific role of neurotoxins in affecting the nervous system clarifies why the correct answer is the one that addresses this direct impact.