What is known about manganese in the workplace? Is Occupational exposure to manganese common?
2004-12-24

The main use of manganese is in the production of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys, including alloys that are essential to steel making (WHO, 1981; IMnI information). Iron and steel production accounts for 85-90% of the manganese market worldwide (IMnI). Leading end uses of manganese-containing steels include products for construction, machinery and transportation. The sources of manganese used for alloy production include ferromanganese, silicomanganese and manganese metal (IMnI). Manganese is also a key component of some aluminium alloys and manganese oxide is used in drycell batteries (IMnI). Other uses include welding consumables, animal feed supplements, trace element fertilisers, paint driers, catalysts, pigments, a colorant in bricks, glass, faience and majolica (WHO, 1981; IMnI). Potassium permanganate is used in a variety of applications, including metal cleaning and printed circuit board etching. Manganese phosphation is used to produce toughened coatings for products such as firearms (IMnI). Manganese metal is used to prepare paint driers, catalysts and alloys. Inorganic manganese compounds are used as the source of manganese in all other uses (WHO, 1981; IMnI).

IEH Web Report W17 October 2004

Some individuals exposed to very high levels of manganese for long periods of time in their work developed mental and emotional disturbances and slow and clumsy body movements. This combination of symptoms is a disease called ?manganism.? Workers usually do not develop symptoms of manganism unless they have been exposed to manganese for many months or years. Manganism occurs because too much manganese injures a part of the brain that helps control body movements.

Exposure to high levels of airborne manganese, such as in a manganese foundry or battery plant, can affect motor skills such as holding one?s hand steady, performing fast hand movements, and maintaining balance. Exposure to high levels of the metal may also cause respiratory problems and sexual dysfunction.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry