Manganism / Parkinsonism

Maganese Poisoning

Manganese is toxic in high amounts. Exposure to manganese fumes should not exceed the ceiling value of 5 mg/m3 for even short periods of time. People have known about manganese-related neurodegeneration (manganism) since 1837. Manganese is listed as a hazardous substance by OSHA. Manganese is a gray/white metal that may appear like iron; however, it is hard and brittle. In metal alloys such as steel, manganese improves rolling and forging qualities, strength, toughness, stiffness, wear resistance, and hardness.

Manganism symptoms are similar to those of Parkinson’s disease, but there are some differences in the symptoms, area of basal ganglia affected, and lack of effectiveness of Levodopa, a Parkinson