The Risk Of Manganese Exposure

Manganese is a common element and in pure form is a metal resembling iron. Iron is combined with manganese to form steel,and the addition of manganese increases the tensile strength and elasticity of the metal.Stainless steel and various hardened steel compounds contain higher amounts of manganese. The electric arc that allows metals to be welded liberates fumes containing very small particles of manganese oxides.Once the fumes are inhaled the particles can enter the lung and nasal passages.This comes from the welding smoke. Chronic exposure to manganese leads to a nervous disorder called manganism.Initial symptoms are memory loss,irritability,depression,anxiety, shaking,slowness,clumsiness,blank stare,slurred speech,and balance problems. The symptoms develop slowly View the rest of this article