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Manganism Risks
If you work with manganese ore in a mine or factory or live
near such a facility, you could be at risk for manganism.
Welders are also among those likely to be exposed to high
levels of manganese.
Manganese is also found in pesticides and fertilizers, used
in the production of batteries, and is an ingredient in some
ceramics. Several tests are available for measuring manganese
in blood, urine, hair, or feces. However, there are some problems
with these tests: manganese is a normal part of the body,
so some manganese is always found; and excess manganese is
usually removed from the body within a few days, making it
difficult to measure exposure.
Miners
Rocks containing high levels of manganese compounds are mined
through both open pit and underground mining. The ore is separated
from rocks and crushed before shipment. After shipment, manganese
ores are ground and bagged for further industrial uses, such
as being mixed with iron to produce steel. The grinding process
has also been responsible for cases of manganese poisoning.
If dropped, manganese metal dust becomes airborne.
Factory Workers and the Surrounding Community
According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), "People
who work in factories where manganese metal is produced from
manganese ore or where manganese compounds are used to make
steel or other products are most likely to be exposed, through
inhalation, to higher than normal levels of manganese."
If you live near such a factory, you might also be exposed
to higher levels of manganese dust in the outside air.
Welders
There are almost half a million full-time welders in the U.S.
Manganese is an essential element in the production of steel
products and steel welding electrodes and is present in fume
that is generated during welding of these materials.
Washington University School of Medicine researchers have
concluded that welding might trigger early onset of Parkinson's
disease. A research team found that some professional welders
developed signs of the disease an average of 15 years earlier
than the general population. (Details on the study is featured
in the January 2001 issue of Neurology.)
Air and Groundwater
Manganese can be found in groundwater as a result of its use
in the production of batteries and steel, and because it is
contained in pesticides and fertilizers. If manganese compounds
from a factory or a waste site get into your water, you could
be exposed.
Because manganese is released into air when fossil fuels are
burned, you might be exposed to higher levels if you live
near a coal or oil-burning factory, or close to a major highway.
Pesticides
Many pesticides contain manganese, which puts agricultural
workers at risk. The use of manganesed-based pesticides is
widespread, in both industrialized and developing countries.
Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia may also make workers more susceptible
to manganism.
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