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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.
Background:
Chronic exposure to manganese (Mn) is a health concern in occupations such as welding because of well-established motor effects due to basal ganglia dysfunction. We hypothesized that cognitive control (the ability to monitor, manipulate, and regulate ongoing cognitive demands) would also be affected by chronic Mn exposure.
Methods:
We examined the relationship between Mn exposure and cognitive control performance in 95 workers with varying intensity and duration (median 15.5 years) of exposure to welding fume. We performed linear regression to assess the association between exposure to Mn-containing welding fume and cognitive control tasks.
Results:
Overall performance was inversely related to intensity of welding exposure (P = 0.009) and was driven by the Two-Back and Letter Number Sequencing tests that assess working memory (both P = 0.02).
Conclusions:
Occupational exposure to Mn-containing welding fume may be associated with poorer working memory performance, and workers may benefit from practices that reduce exposure intensity. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:181-188, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insights
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.
