Effect of chronic low level manganese exposure on postural balance: a pilot study of residents in southern Ohio.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of non-occupational exposure to manganese (Mn) on postural balance.


METHODS
Residents living near a ferromanganese refinery provided hair and blood samples after postural balance testing. The relationship between hair Mn and postural balance was analyzed with logistic regression. Following covariate adjustment, postural balance was compared with control data by analysis of covariance.


RESULTS
Mean hair Mn was 4.4 microg/g. A significantly positive association was found between hair Mn and sway area (eyes open on the platform, P = 0.05; eyes closed on the platform, P = 0.04) and sway length (eyes open on the platform, P = 0.05; eyes closed on the platform, P = 0.04). Postural balance of residents was significantly larger than controls in 5 out of 8 postural balance outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Preliminary findings suggest subclinical impairment in postural balance among residents chronically exposed to ambient Mn. A prospective study with a larger sample size is warranted.
Standridge
J Shawn
JS
Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0056, USA.
Bhattacharya
Amit
A
Succop
Paul
P
Cox
Cyndy
C
Haynes
Erin
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D002617:Chemical Industry; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008345:Manganese / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D008875:Middle Aged; D009820:Ohio; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
D000393:Air Pollutants; D008345:Manganese