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Manganese Facts
Manganese is a nutrient.
Manganese is also a normal component of both plants and animals,
so it is present in food. The EPA (Environmental Protection
Agency) estimates that the typical human intake of manganese
from food is 3.8 mg/day. The amount of manganese in a normal
diet is enough to meet daily needs with no ill effects; in
fact, eating a small amount of manganese daily is important
to maintain your health.
Manganese is a metal.
Manganese is naturally found in many types of rock. Rocks
containing high levels of manganese compounds are mined and
then used to produce manganese metal. The metal is used in
the production of steel to improve hardness, stiffness, and
strength.
Manganese is commonly used in production of batteries, matches,
and fireworks. It is also is used in glazes, varnishes, ceramics,
and fertilizers and fungicides. A compound of manganese is
used as an additive in gasoline in some countries, but is
currently banned for that purpose in the United States. Manganese
is also added to animal and poultry feed.
Manganese can be toxic in large amounts.
The EPA considers manganese to be a "high concern" pollutant
based on severe chronic toxicity.
 Exposure
to higher levels of manganese is most likely if you work in
a factory where manganese metal is produced, or where manganese
compounds are used to make steel or other products. You would
be exposed to manganese mainly by breathing in manganese dust.
If you live near such a factory, you could also be exposed
to higher-than-average levels of manganese dust in the air.
If manganese compounds from a factory or a hazardous waste
site get into your water, you could also be exposed.
Manganese miners or steel workers exposed to high levels of
manganese dust in air may develop manganism. They may have
mental and emotional disturbances, and their movements may
become slow. The symptoms of manganism are similar to Parkinson's
disease symptoms. Medical treatment may reduce some of the
symptoms of manganism, but the brain injury caused by overexposure
to manganese is permanent.
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