Occupational disease
Occupational manganese poisoning
Apr
Manganese (Mn) compounds used in industry are mainly oxides and Mn salts (MnO2, Mn3O4, MnCO3…). Mn enters the human body primarily through the respiratory tract in the form of dust or gas, and occasionally through the digestive tract due to poor hygiene practices.
Manganese poisoning is an occupational disease caused by excessive exposure to manganese compounds in the workplace. The symptoms of this disease can vary depending on the level of exposure and duration of contact with manganese.
1. What is occupational manganese poisoning?
Manganese is an essential element for health, but excessive manganese in the body can cause serious health problems such as central nervous system disorders and nerve damage. Additionally, manganese is toxic to the liver (glucose metabolism disorders), lungs, endocrine system, thyroid gland, reproductive system, etc.
Occupational manganese poisoning is a condition caused by excessive exposure to manganese and manganese compounds during work, particularly in industries such as steel and aluminum production.
2. Occupations at risk of manganese poisoning
Manganese is a metal present in various industrial environments; therefore, the risk of manganese poisoning depends on occupation and the level of exposure. Some high-risk occupations include:
- Steel production: Workers in steel manufacturing, especially in welding, grinding, and casting, have a high risk of manganese poisoning.
- Battery production: Battery manufacturers may use manganese to produce certain types of batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries.
- Chemical production: Manganese is used in chemical production, such as potassium permanganate.
- Pesticide production: Manganese is used in some pesticides to prevent insect growth.
- Paint production: Manganese is used as an additive in paint manufacturing.
- Other industries: Mn ore mining, iron ore mining, pig iron and steel production (iron alloy workshops), electric cable manufacturing, welding rods, pigments, glass, ceramics, etc.
Anyone with excessive occupational exposure to manganese is at risk of manganese poisoning.
3. Mechanisms and causes of manganese poisoning
The exact mechanism of manganese poisoning is not fully clear, but studies show that manganese can accumulate in nerve cells, causing damage, particularly in the basal ganglia. Prolonged exposure can lead to symptoms such as tremors, psychological instability, memory impairment, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath.
The cause of manganese poisoning is excessive exposure in the workplace. Workers in industries producing pig iron, steel, cement, and chemicals are at high risk. Other causes include using manganese-containing pesticides and inhaling manganese dust from materials like paint, adhesives, and rubber.
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4. Symptoms of manganese poisoning
Occupational manganese poisoning results from excessive exposure to manganese in the work environment. Symptoms may include:
- Tremors: The most common symptom; it may affect balance and reduce motor abilities.
- Psychological disorders: Symptoms may include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and other mental health issues.
- Memory impairment: Patients may forget basic or important information.
- Respiratory issues: May reduce lung function and cause shortness of breath.
- Frequent headaches.
- Reduced motor skills.
- Nausea, causing discomfort.
5. Hazards of occupational manganese poisoning
Occupational manganese poisoning can severely affect workers’ health. Main hazards include:
- Neurological damage, causing tremors, psychological disorders, memory loss, and impaired motor skills.
- Excessive exposure may cause gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
- Respiratory problems, including reduced lung function and shortness of breath.
- Cardiovascular issues: high blood pressure, stroke, and other heart-related problems.
- Reproductive toxicity, leading to infertility, miscarriage, and other reproductive disorders.
Prevention is critical, including minimizing exposure, using protective equipment, and adhering to workplace safety regulations.
6. Protective equipment to prevent manganese poisoning
Protective equipment is essential to reduce worker exposure to manganese. Key items include:
- Respiratory masks to protect against manganese dust and fine particles.
- Safety goggles to prevent eye injuries from airborne manganese particles.
- Protective gloves to avoid direct contact with manganese particles and toxic substances.
- Protective clothing to shield skin from manganese exposure.
- Safety shoes to protect feet from direct contact with manganese particles.
7. Compensation for workers with manganese poisoning
In Vietnam, workers with manganese poisoning are entitled to compensation under the law. According to the Social Insurance Law, employees with occupational diseases, including manganese poisoning, are eligible for social insurance benefits and compensation.
Workers may also claim additional compensation from employers if evidence shows negligence in maintaining a safe working environment. Proper documentation is required to receive compensation. Regulations and compensation rates may be updated, so affected workers should check relevant legal procedures.
8. Treatment for manganese poisoning
Occupational manganese poisoning is difficult to treat and may cause irreversible effects. Supportive treatments include:
- Ceasing manganese exposure to prevent disease progression.
- Anti-seizure medications for convulsions caused by manganese toxicity.
- Antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium to reduce cellular damage.
- Treatment for neurological or psychological symptoms, including sedatives or psychotherapy.
- Medical intervention should be tailored to the severity and symptoms, under expert supervision.
9. Prevention of occupational manganese poisoning
- Implement industrial hygiene measures to control dust and manganese fumes.
- Use wet drilling instead of dry drilling in manganese mining.
- Install ventilation and fume extraction systems at emission sources.
- Screen workers to exclude individuals with pre-existing neurological or pulmonary disorders from high-exposure jobs.
- Conduct regular health checks and biological monitoring to detect early signs of manganese poisoning.
- Monitor manganese levels in workplace air periodically.
- Rotate workers to low-exposure positions to allow elimination of manganese from the body.
- Strictly follow personal protective equipment regulations, especially respiratory protection.
- Ensure proper hygiene after work shifts.
- Avoid eating or drinking in work areas; use vitamins and supplements to aid manganese elimination.
10. Employer responsibilities in preventing manganese poisoning
Employers are responsible for ensuring employee safety and health, including preventing manganese poisoning:
- Provide information about manganese health effects and train employees in prevention and proper PPE use.
- Supply necessary personal protective equipment (respirators, protective clothing, gloves, goggles, shoes).
- Ensure a safe work environment and implement pollution control measures.
- Support treatment for affected workers, including guidance and financial assistance.
- Conduct workplace environment monitoring and report findings to improve safety measures.
11. National occupational environment monitoring center
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