Groups Exposed to Manganese Fumes or Dust
In 1837, Dr. John Couper first described serious health problems in Scottish manganese ore grinders. These included awkward gait, tremors, and body stiffness-symptoms that we now know are characteristic of manganism or manganese poisoning and other Parkinson’s-like diseases. Over a century later, researchers began to document similar problems in manganese miners in Cuba, Morocco, Chile, and the United States. They also observed “manganese madness” odd behavior that includes fits of laughter, crying, mood swings, and memory loss.
Although the heaviest exposure to manganese fumes has occurred among manganese miners, other groups are also at risk for manganese poisoning. Employees in plants manufacturing dry alkaline batteries may be exposed to the compound manganese dioxide. Workers in facilities making manganese alloys may also be exposed to manganese.
Farmworkers can come into contact with manganese fumes from pesticides such as Maneb (manganese ethylene bis (dithiocarbamate). Unprotected work in the fields too often leads to headaches, fatigue, nervousness, memory loss, tremors, and rigid body posture.
Manganese in Welding Fumes
Exposure to manganese fumes has been a problem for all types of welders, including those involved in construction, the automobile industry, shipyards, railroad track welding, and the production of parts for heavy excavation equipment. The type and content of the welding rod come into play, as do the work habits of the welder. For example, one study showed that some welders bent over their work and others stood erect; some kept their faces in line with the welding plume while others kept their faces at an angle away from the plume. Other factors affecting exposure to manganese fumes are ventilation and the use of safety equipment. See Welder Safety Issues for more details.