MANGANESE-Delaware.pdfVIP

MANGANESE What is MANGANESE? Manganese is a naturally occurring element found in many kinds of rocks. Pure manganese is a silver-colored metal that becomes pure metal by forming compounds with oxygen, sulfur, chlorine and other substances. Where is manganese found and how is it used? Manganese is found in many kinds of rocks. Since some manganese compounds dissolve in water, low levels are normally found in lakes, streams and oceans. Industries mix manganese with iron to make different types of steel. Some manganese compounds are used to manufacture batteries, ceramics, pesticides and fertilizers. How can people be exposed to manganese? Manganese is a part of the environment. People are exposed to low levels in air, water, soil and food. For most people, food is the main source of manganese exposure. As an essential trace element, manganese is needed for good health. You could be exposed to manganese through: Breathing dust or fumes containing manganese if working in a factory where manganese compounds are used. Touching it if you use pesticides containing manganese. How does manganese work and how can it affect my health? Exposure to high levels of manganese oxide fumes can cause “metal fume fever.” Symptoms do not appear right away, but usually within six months to a year after repeated exposure. Metal fume fever causes flu-like sickness. Initial symptoms including having a metal taste in your mouth, fever and chills, aches, chest tightness and cough. Other symptoms are loss of appetite, weakness or sleeplessness. Later symptoms include changes in speech, balance, mood and personality, loss of facial expression, poor muscle control, muscle cramps, twitching and tremors. The later symptoms resemble Parkinson’s disease. Repeated and high exposure can result in permanent lung, brain and liver damage, and may cause anemia. Anemia is a disease where there is a lower than normal number of red blood