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Manganism and Manganese Poisoning

Workers exposed to manganese are also at risk to a condition termed manganism. Manganism is also known as manganese poisoning that is often used interchangeably with Parkinson's Disease because the symptoms of the two manganese conditions are very similar. Manganism is characterized by mental difficulties and the impairment of motor skills like Parkinson's Disease but the pathology of the two conditions are very different. Miners are at an especially high risk for developing manganism because of the high amount of manganese inhalation they are exposed to. Welding fumes also contain a high level of manganese. Manganism has been observed widely amongst miners and industrial workers throughout the world, and agricultural workers that have been exposed to manganese in pesticides as well.

Manganese has a very long elimination from the central nervous system, the effects of the manganese poisoning are seen later in life often times. The use of manganese is widespread, making manganism a continued concern. There are three different stages that are differentiated in manganism, including behavioral changes, parkinsonian features, and dystonia and gait disturbances. The onset of manganism can be observed through symptoms of fatigue, headache, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, apathy, insomnia, and a diminished libido.

Currently, no known prevention or cure for Parkinson's Disease exists, but there are precautions all workers should take when working in environments with manganese.

 

For more information on manganism, contact us to ensure your legal rights are being protected.

 

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Manganese Exposure Symptoms

» Chronic exposure to manganese can result in symptoms similar to Parkinson's Disease, a serious and progressive impairment or deterioration of nerve cells in the brain. Common characteristics of manganism, the chronic exposure to high levels of manganese, can include:


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How Manganese Affects You:
» Everyday Products Containing Manganese
The twelfth most common element in the Earth's crust, manganese is found in soil, water, plants animals, and air particles. Workers are at most risk for manganese poisoning when mining and processing the toxic material, but manganese is also used to manufacture products like batteries, fertilizers, pesticides, ceramics, as a gasoline additive, and dietary supplements.