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Cognitive control dysfunction in workers exposed to manganese-containing welding fume
Amal Al-Lozi1, Susan Searles Nielsen1, Tamara Hershey1,2,3
1Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|November 19, 2016
Summary
Chronic manganese (Mn) exposure from welding may impair cognitive control, specifically working memory. Reducing welding fume exposure intensity is recommended for worker health.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Neurotoxicology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Chronic manganese (Mn) exposure is a known occupational hazard, particularly in welding.
- Established motor deficits are linked to Mn-induced basal ganglia dysfunction.
- Potential cognitive effects of Mn exposure remain less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between chronic manganese exposure and cognitive control performance in welders.
- To determine if cognitive control abilities are affected by the intensity and duration of welding fume exposure.
Main Methods:
- Studied 95 workers with occupational exposure to welding fume.
- Assessed the relationship between manganese exposure and cognitive control tasks.
- Employed linear regression analysis to evaluate the association.
Main Results:
- Overall cognitive performance showed an inverse relationship with welding exposure intensity (P=0.009).
- Working memory, assessed by the Two-Back and Letter Number Sequencing tests, was significantly affected (P=0.02).
Conclusions:
- Occupational exposure to manganese-containing welding fume is linked to diminished working memory.
- Implementing practices to reduce welding fume exposure intensity may benefit worker cognitive health.
