P. Vieregge et al., LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO MANGANESE IN RURAL WELL WATER HAS NO NEUROLOGICAL EFFECTS, Canadian journal of neurological sciences, 22(4), 1995, pp. 286-289
Background: There is debate on the neurological impact of chronic expo
sure to Manganese (MN), Methods: MN burden from rural well water was s
tudied cross-sectionally in two proband cohorts from rural dwellings l
ocated in northern Germany. Both cohorts had exposure times for up to
40 years and were separated on the basis of well water MN content, Gro
up A (41 subjects; mean age 57.5 years) was exposed to MN water conten
ts of at least 0.300 mg/l (range 0.300 to 2.160), while group B (74 su
bjects; mean age 56.9 years) was exposed to concentrations of less tha
n 0.050 mg/l. Both proband groups were homogenous with regard to age,
sex, nutritional habits, and drug intake. Neurological assessments by
clinical investigators blinded for proband's exposure status was done
using structured questionnaires, standardized neurological examination
with assessment of possible Parkinsonian signs by the Columbia Univer
sity Rating Scale, and instrumental tests of fine motor coordination.
Results: No significant difference in any neurological measure was fou
nd between groups. Results were not confounded by demographic and diet
ary features. Conclusion: Exposure to high body burden of MN does not
result in detectable neurological impairment, Exposure to MN in drinki
ng water does not seem to be a risk factor for idiopathic Parkinson's
disease.