Medication use associated with exposure to manganese in two Ohio towns

Abstract

This report describes the use of medications as a proxy when medical record reviews are unavailable, to study the health effects of residents environmentally exposed to air-manganese (n = 185) compared to unexposed residents (n = 90). Participants’ current medication lists and medication questionnaire responses were collected in clinical interviews and categorized into 13 domains. Exposed participants reported fewer hours of sleep than controls (6.6 vs. 7.0). The exposed used significantly more medications than unexposed participants (82.2 % vs. 67.8 %) and, when adjusting for age, education, and personal income, also for pain (aOR = 2.40) and hypothyroidism (aOR = 7.03). Exposed participants with higher air-Mn concentrations, monitored for 10 years by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, were 1.5 times more likely to take pain medications. The exposed participants take significantly more medications than unexposed participants in the categories of hypothyroidism, pain, supplements, and total medications.

Validity of self-reported concentration and memory problems: Relationship with neuropsychological assessment and depression

“…This study is part of a larger cross-sectional study assessing the neurotoxic effects of air-Mn in residents living near a ferromanganese smelter in Marietta, Ohio, and an open-air Mn storage and packaging facility in East Liverpool, Ohio ( Bowler, Adams, et al, 2016 ; Bowler, Beseler, et al, 2016 ; Bowler et al, 2012 ; Kim et al, 2011 ). Both Marietta and East Liverpool have been reported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to have some of the highest measured environmental concentrations of respirable air-Mn in the U.S. ( U.S. EPA, 2011 U.S. EPA, 2012 ).…”

“…Manganese (Mn) is an essential metal that, at excessive exposure, may show neurotoxic properties associated with cognitive ( Bast-Pettersen, Ellingsen, Hetland, & Thomassen, 2004 ; Bowler et al, 2015 ; Chang et al, 2010 ; Mergler et al, 1999 ; Roels et al, 2012 ; Solís-Vivanco et al, 2009 ) and movement disorder symptoms ( Bowler, Adams, et al, 2016 ; Kim et al, 2011 ; Lucchini, Bergamaschi, Smargiassi, Festa, & Apstoli, 1997 ; Rodriguez-Agudelo et al, 2006 ; Roels, Ghyselen, Buchet, Ceulemans, & Lauwerys, 1992 ; Roels et al, 1987 ). For adults, the majority of reports of the health effects of Mn are from occupational studies, which typically have higher levels of Mn in air than in environmental studies.…”

Is exposure to chemical pollutants associated with sleep outcomes? A systematic review

“…Rodent models of chronic manganese exposure also exhibit sleep disruption [334][335][336]. Epidemiologic studies of occupational manganese exposure with sleep duration and insomnia were null or inconclusive, but one study of air pollution manganese exposure reported shorter sleep duration and greater use of hypnotic medication among residents in areas with higher air manganese exposure [190]. Case studies were mostly supportive of metal exposure with sleep disturbance and insomnia.…”