Bone manganese as a biomarker of manganese exposure: A feasibility study

AbstractBackgroundThere is a need for a diagnostic tool with the ability to measure cumulative exposure to manganese (Mn) in the workplace. Measuring bone Mn levels with in vivo neutron activation analysis (IVNAA) could serve as a biomarker of past exposure. Bone Mn levels of welders were measured and compared to the levels found in subjects without exposure to the element.MethodForty subjects (30 welders and 10 controls) were recruited. An occupational history was obtained and subjects underwent IVNAA bone Mn measurements.ResultsThe mean bone Mn levels were (2.9 ± 0.4) and (0.1 ± 0.7) µg Mn/g Ca for welders and controls, respectively (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis project, the first of its kind, reports differences in bone Mn between Mn‐exposed welders and non‐occupationally exposed subjects. It appears that bone Mn levels do reflect differences in the occupational exposure of welders. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:742–750, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Bone manganese as a biomarker of manganese exposure: A feasibility study Journal Articles