Manganese poisoning

Acute manganese poisoning can be caused by oral ingestion of potassium permanganate or inhalation of high concentrations of manganese oxide fumes, resulting in acute corrosive gastroenteritis or irritative bronchitis and pneumonia. Chronic manganese poisoning is mainly seen in workers who have long-term inhalation of manganese dust and fumes, with clinical manifestations dominated by extrapyramidal nervous system symptoms, as well as neurobehavioral dysfunction and mental disorders. Occupations with more frequent exposure to manganese include manganese mining and smelting, manufacture of manganese welding rods, welding and flame cutting of manganese alloys, and industrial workers who manufacture and apply manganese dioxide, permanganates, and other manganese compounds.