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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-08-2012 | Original Article

Neuromotor function in ship welders after cessation of manganese exposure

Authors: Gunilla Wastensson, Gerd Sallsten, Rita Bast-Pettersen, Lars Barregard

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 6/2012

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether previous long-term exposure to manganese (Mn) via inhalation of welding fumes can cause persistent impairment in neuromotor function even long after cessation of exposure.

Methods

Quantitative tests of tremor, motor speed, manual dexterity, diadochokinesis, eye-hand coordination and postural stability were administered to 17 retired ship welders (mean age 69 years), with mean exposure time 28 years. The welders’ exposure had ceased on average 18 years before the study. A cumulative exposure index (CEI) was calculated for each of the former welders. The welders were compared with 21 referents from the same shipyards (mean age was 66 years).

Results

Former welders performed less well than referents in the grooved pegboard test, and poorer performance was associated with CEI. The performance in most of the other neurobehavioral tests was similar between groups, but the welders tended to perform slightly better than the referents in tests demanding hand steadiness. The latter finding may be due to a training effect from their former working tasks or selection bias into or out of this occupation.

Conclusions

In the present study of welders with previous welding fume exposure, former welders and referents performed similarly in most of the neurobehavioral tests. Previous adverse effects on the neuromotor system might have ceased, and decreased neuromotor function due to normal aging processes in both groups might have disguised any slight effect of previous Mn exposure. The poorer performance in the grooved pegboard test among welders may indicate an adverse effect on motor function of long-term exposure to Mn, but this finding has to be confirmed by other studies.

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Title: Neuromotor function in ship welders after cessation of manganese exposure
Authors: Gunilla Wastensson
Gerd Sallsten
Rita Bast-Pettersen
Lars Barregard
Publication date: 01-08-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 6/2012
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-011-0716-6

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Neuromotor function in ship welders after cessation of manganese exposure

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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