Manganese Health Research Program: Phase 1, Core 1

Research Core Project Number:
Research Core Project:	Development of guidance and tools to facilitate the use of routine exposure data in future epidemiology studies of manganese exposed workers
Core Principal Investigator (CPI):	Dr Robert J Aitken / Dr Martie J.A. van Tongeren
	Institute of Occupational Medicine Heriot Watt Research Park Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AP 0044 131 870 850 5131 rob.aitken@iomhq.org.uk www.iom-world.org

Key Collaborators:

Project Objectives:

To review methods for the evaluation of neurological health end points in the manganese industry and in other industries where these end points are considered relevant and to develop recommendations for a core set of evaluation methods to be used for the evaluation of these end points; and
To identify, develop and evaluate a set of methods, guidelines and tools to enable manganese producer companies to routinely collect valid, appropriate and comparable information relating to manganese exposure, applicable to current and future, as yet unplanned, epidemiological studies.

Project Description: Brief abstract describing INTENDED scope of project

In the manganese production industry, several companies routinely collect information on exposures in the workplace, and several carry out health surveillance. However, many different approaches are used. These include differences in the use of personal and static monitoring, collection of different size fractions (respirable, inhalable, total), different analysis methods, (gravimetric, ICP, species) and differences in data metrics, storage, traceability and quality assurance procedures. Often, little contextual data is retained. Diverse approaches also characterise the assessment of health end points. These differences limit the utility of such data. In this study we will (i)review methods for the evaluation of neurological health end points and to develop recommendations for a core set of evaluation methods and (ii) identify, develop and evaluate a set of methods, guidelines and tools to enable manganese producer companies to routinely collect valid, appropriate and comparable information relating to manganese exposure, applicable to current and future, as yet unplanned, epidemiological studies.

Project Status:

Project started: *1.Oct 2005*
Scheduled completion date: *31 Mar 2009*
Anticipated completion date: *31 July 2009*

Key research accomplishments:

The health endpoints and methods to determine these have been reviewed and a report produced.

A comprehensive and detailed exposure database tool (MANGANEX) was developed and trialled at two manganese producers.

A guidance document for collecting Mn exposure data and use of MANGANEX has been developed.

Last updated: January 31, 2006