Manganese
Manganese is an essential trace nutrient in all forms of life.
It is essential for smooth functioning of the brain and also needed in the production of
certain enzymes.
Manganese deficiency symptoms include pain in the joints, high blood sugar,
bone/disc problems, poor memory.
Good sources of Manganese include tea, wheatgerm, spinach, split peas, nuts,
oatgerm, oatmeal, pineapple, green leafy vegetables. (source)
Manganese in excess is toxic. Exposure to manganese dusts and fumes should not
exceed the ceiling value of 5 mg/m3 for even short periods because of its
toxicity level.
Acidic permanganate solutions will oxidize any organic material they come into
contact with. The oxidation process can generate enough heat to ignite some
organic substances.
In 2005, a study suggested a possible link between manganese inhalation and
central nervous system toxicity in rats. It is hypothesized that long-term
exposure to the naturally-occurring manganese in shower water puts up to 8.7
million Americans at risk.
A form of Parkinson's Disease-type neurodegeneration called "manganism" has been
linked to manganese exposure since the early 19th Century. Allegations of
inhalation-induced manganism have been made regarding the welding industry.
Listed on the Hazardous Substance List, manganese is regulated by OSHA due to
its high level of toxicity.
