Sorry for the confusion Mary Ann,
Manganism = Manganese intoxication a serious occupational hazard
and probably is responsible for more cases of Parkinson's like symptoms
than any other toxin. The actual exposure level where clinical
symptoms begin to appear is not known, although the World Health
Organization (WHO) states that they may occur at low air concentrations
of 2-5 mg/M3. However, there seems to be a wide variation in
individual susceptibility to the effects from manganese exposure, and
the WHO suggest that the minimum effect level is probably 1 mg/M3.
Symtoms of Manganism begin insidiously and are progressive after
one to ten years of exposure. Somnolence, apathy, bradykinesia,
emotional lability, aggressiveness, and hallucinations are all intitial
manifestations. A progressive Parkinson syndrome eventually replaces
these symptoms. Difficulty with gait, postural instability, fixed
facial expression, and disturbed speech are prominent abnormalities. An
action rather than a resting tremor is usually present. Other neuralgic
sins that may occur include dementia, depression, cerebella
dysfunction, and impotency. Muscle weakness and sensory abnormalities
are usually not present.
Expert Doctors in this area are:
Canada - Dr. Donald Calne @ UBC
USA - Dr. Fred Hochberg @ Harvard
- Dr. William Cola
I will try to explain the significance of MMT in a future note.
Thanks, Bob
