Evaluation of the chronic inhalation toxicity of a manganese oxide aerosol. Ill–Pulmonary function, electromyograms, limb tremor, and tissue manganese data.

Abstract

Monkeys and rats were exposed to 11.6,112.5, and 1152 µg Mn/m³ as an Mn₃O₄ aerosol twenty-four hours per day for nine months. Various evaluations of pulmonary function, electromyographic activity, limb tremor, and tissue manganese levels were conducted. No exposure related effects on pulmonary function, limb tremor, or electromyographic activity were observed. After nine months of exposure Mn levels were elevated in a near dose related manner in kidney, lung, spleen, and blood. However, by six months post-exposure there were no differences as compared to the control group in tissue Mn levels which could be attributed to the exposure conditions.