Chronic exposure to the fungicide maneb may produce symptoms and signs of CNS manganese intoxication.

Abstract

Manganese (Mn) poisoning, a well-known hazard in miners and industrial workers, shares many features with Parkinson's disease. Two young agricultural workers with a parkinsonian syndrome, who mentioned exposure to the fungicide maneb (manganese ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamate), led us to investigate a new possible source of Mn intoxication. Fifty male rural workers with occupational exposure to maneb were compared with 19 rural workers without fungicide exposure. We noted significantly higher prevalence of plastic rigidity with cogwheel phenomenon, headache, fatigue, nervousness, memory complaints, and sleepiness in the exposed group. In addition, we saw other neurologic signs, such as postural tremor, cerebellar signs, and bradykinesia, although without statistical significance. The data suggest that occupational exposure to pesticides containing Mn is a possible source of Mn intoxication of the CNS.

• Authors: H B Ferraz, P H Bertolucci, J S Pereira, J G Lima, L A Andrade
• Journal: Neurology (Neurology) Vol. 38 Issue 4 Pg. 550-3 (Apr 1988) ISSN: 0028-3878 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3352909 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Thiocarbamates
• Maneb
• Manganese

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Central Nervous System Diseases (chemically induced)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Maneb (adverse effects)
• Manganese (adverse effects)
• Middle Aged
• Movement Disorders (chemically induced)
• Occupational Diseases (chemically induced)
• Thiocarbamates (adverse effects)