Manganese Occupational Risk
Did You Know?
Early symptoms of Manganese poisoning include poor appetite, weakness, difficulty swallowing, impotence and sleepiness.
Everyone is exposed to small amounts of manganese in air, water, and food. Working in the mining, welding, or factory environment has the highest risk for manganese exposure. Manganese can be breathed in or ingested; affecting people years after exposure due to the length of time manganese can remain in the central nervous system.
Working closely with dangerous elements can lead to a lifetime of illness and suffering. There are recommended levels of manganese that workplace environments must adhere to, but it is important that the exposure to manganese is routinely evaluated. Workers wishing to obtain copies of manganese sampling results from their employer are allowed under law. Reducing manganese exposure by using proper ventilation systems at the site, in addition to wearing protective clothing and thoroughly washing after working with manganese can help protect workers.
Manganese Risk
1. People who work in occupations that mine or use Manganese are likely to be exposed to excess levels in their work environment.
2. People who improperly use pesticides such as maneb and mancozeb, may be exposed to excess levels.
3. 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.
Manganese Risk - Miners - Rocks containing high levels of manganese compounds are mined through both open pit and underground mining.
Manganese Risk - 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."
Manganese Risk - 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.
Manganese Risk - Pesticides - Many pesticides contain manganese, which puts agricultural workers at risk.
Manganese Risk - Anemia Iron deficiency anemia may also make workers more susceptible to Manganism.
For more information, visit Health Dangers.
People can be exposed to high levels of manganese if they live near a factory or plant that works with manganese or if they live in a high traffic area where cars burn gasoline that contains manganese as an additive.
There are several tests to determine whether a person has been exposed to manganese. Manganese measurements can be taken from blood, urine, stools, and scalp hair, but they cannot determine how manganese will affect your health.
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 Risk - References
1. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Toxicological Profile for Manganese (Draft). U.S. Public Health Service , U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta , GA. 1990.
2. National Academy of Sciences. Drinking Water and Health. Volume 3. National Academy Press, Washington , DC . 1989.
3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) on Manganese. Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office, Office of Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati , OH . 1993.
4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Technical Background Document to Support Rulemaking Pursuant to the Clean Air Act Section 112(g). Ranking of Pollutants with Respect to Hazard to Human Health. EPAB450/3-92-010. Emissions Standards Division, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Research Triangle Park , NC . 1994.
5. E.J. Calabrese and E.M. Kenyon. Air Toxics and Risk Assessment. Lewis Publishers, Chelsea, MI. 1991
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