| Abstract |
| In response to a request from the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at the Eveready Battery Company (SIC-3313) electrolytic manganese-dioxide facility in Marietta, Ohio. Two employees had a Parkinson like disease which could be related to chronic manganese (7439965) toxicity. Investigators reviewed and analyzed company records and conducted air sampling for manganese dust. The 29 full shift evaluations for total manganese showed 8 hour time weighted average personal breathing zone concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 0.40mg/m3. All findings were below allowable limits. A cross sectional medical survey indicated symptoms of tiredness, muscle aches, and cramps and the physical finding of tremor was found more frequently among production and support workers than among nonproduction workers. There was no statistical association between symptom indices for concentration, memory, anxiety, depression, motor function, and tremor with work at the electrolytic manganese- dioxide facility. Work in the ferromanganese furnace departments outside the facility was associated with symptoms of declining concentration, memory, and motor function. However, these workers may have been exposed to potential neurotoxicants other than manganese. The authors conclude that no statistical association was seen between work in the factory and adverse health outcomes. The authors recommend that employee exposures be reduced. |
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