Manganese Toxicity or Poisoning

Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral that is an essential nutrient for plants and animals alike. As with any mineral though, excessive exposure may become harmful to one's health. Manganese is no exception. Manganese toxicity is a serious threat to human health and can cause the physically and mentally debilitating disease called manganism.

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Manganism

Manganism is a disease caused by exposure to excessive levels of manganese, which attacks the normal functions of the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver. Manganism is characterized by diminished motor skills and psychological disturbances, symptoms that parallel those of Parkinson's disease. Other symptoms include:

• Tremors
• Impaired hand-eye coordination
• Weakness or lethargy
• Awkward gait
• Difficulty with facial expression
• Speech difficulties
• Psychological problems
• Respiratory difficulties
• Decreased sexual function
• Damage to developing fetus

Researchers have studied manganism as it relates to Parkinson's disease and have found that there are virtually no clinical differences in regards to the severity and frequency of symptoms. One distinguishing finding researchers have made is that occupational welders exposed to welding fumes developed the clinical signs and symptoms of Parkinson's approximately 15 years earlier than typical Parkinson's disease patients. This has led researchers to hypothesize that environmental and occupational factors such as welding fumes may be a cause of Parkinson's disease.

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Occupational Manganese Poisoning

Occupational manganese poisoning is a horrible reality for those afflicted. Generally, we find cases of manganism in victims who have spent most of their lives working hard for their employer. Often these employers are aware of the inherent risks of occupational manganese poisoning, but choose not to provide their employees with effective protection or education. Jobs that are at risk of occupational manganese poisoning include:

• Welders
• Railroad workers
• Miners
• Steel workers
• Workers who handle the pesticides Maneb and Mancozeb

If you or a loved one suffers from manganism, you may want to contact our manganism attorneys for more information about your rights concerning occupational manganese poisoning.

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