Manganese Poisoning

Manganese is often found in compound form with other elements such as oxygen, sulfur, or carbon. A small amount of manganese is essential to human health, but overexposure to the element can lead to manganese poisoning, or manganism.

Manganese Exposure

The two most common ways that people are exposed to manganese are through ingestion and inhalation.

Ingestion - A small amount of manganese in foods is essential to maintain good health, but larger amounts can lead to manganese poisoning.
Inhalation - Fumes from welding, steel manufacturing, mining, and railroad work contribute to manganese inhalation. People who work with manganese on a daily basis are at the highest risk of exposure to manganese.

Manganism Symptoms

Manganism is a disease caused by excessive exposure to manganese. The symptoms of manganism include:

Tremors
Lethargy
Impaired coordination
Speech difficulties
Awkward gait

Because manganism and Parkinson's disease share similar symptoms, experts have classified manganism as a Parkinson's syndrome. Researchers are currently trying to determine whether welding is an environmental cause of Parkinson's disease.

Contact a Chemical Exposure Lawyer for More Information

The health effects associated with excessive exposure to manganese can severely impact a person's quality of life. If you or a member of your family has been harmed by manganese exposure, contact an injury lawyer skilled in chemical exposure litigation to learn more about your rights.