Over the last few years, numerous workers exposed to manganese fumes developed symptoms suggesting occupational manganism. The CSST and the prevention network did not have any standardized procedures for diagnosing this disease. A medical committee, established to provide answers to the clinical aspects of this question, was able to define occupational manganism clearly and to establish criteria for its classification and diagnosis. The committee also proposed a plan for monitoring and treating affected people. Early screening of asymptomatic workers was not recommended. However, once a worker has been diagnosed with manganism, his exposure to manganese or to other neurotoxic substances should be at the lowest level possible. With this information and other work carried out in Québec to document occupational exposure to manganese, this emerging problem can be better managed.
