Showing papers by "Donna Mergler published in 2003"

Manganese, monoamine metabolite levels at birth, and child psychomotor development.

Abstract: Several studies have demonstrated neurobehavioral impairment related to manganese (Mn) exposure in the workplace Exposure to high doses of manganese is associated with irreversible neurodegenerative disorders resembling idiopathic Parkinson disease Although there is a risk of Mn accumulation in the foetus during pregnancy, little information exists about developmental effects of environmental low-level exposure in human For this reason, we conducted a prospective epidemiological study in 247 healthy pregnant women and their babies to determine the long-term effect of in utero Mn levels on child's psychomotor development Concurrently, we examined the relationship between Mn tissue levels at delivery and foetal plasma monoamine metabolites Of the newborns, 195 were examined at 9 months, 126 at 3 years and 100 at 6 years At 9 months, the Brunet-Lezine scales were administered The McCarthy scales of children's abilities were used at 3 and 6 years After adjustment for potential confounding co-factors (child's gender, mother's educational level), negative relationships were observed between cord blood Mn levels and several psychomotor sub-scales at age of 3 years: "attention" (partial r=-033, P<0001), "non-verbal memory" (partial r=-028, P<001), and "hand skills" (partial r=-022, P<005) No significant relationships were observed between Mn measures at birth and the general psychomotor indices, Brunet-Lezine developmental quotient (DQ) at 9 months or McCarthy general cognitive index (GCI) at 3 and 6 years Maternal blood Mn levels were negatively associated with foetal plasma HVA and 5-HIAA concentrations (adjusted for labour duration, child's gender, and smoking during pregnancy), but the adjustment for monoamine levels at birth did not change the association between the Mn levels and the psychomotor scores These results suggest that environmental Mn exposure in utero could affect early psychomotor development

Blood manganese and alcohol consumption interact on mood States among manganese alloy production workers

Abstract: Long-term exposure to manganese (Mn) can induce neurotoxic effects including neuromotor, neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric effects, but there is a great interpersonal variability in the occurrence of these effects. It has recently been suggested that blood Mn (MnB) may interact with alcohol use disorders, accentuating neuropsychiatric symptoms. The objective of the present study was to explore a possible interaction between alcohol consumption and MnB on mood states, using an existing data set on Mn exposed workers. Respirable Mn exposure in the plant averaged 0.23 mg/m3 and was correlated with MnB. All participants for whom all data on MnB concentration and mood (assessed with the Profile of Mood States (POMS)) were available and who reported currently drinking alcohol were included in the analyses (n=74). Workers were grouped according to their MnB concentration (

Material safety data sheets: their use in Québec workers' compensation appeals involving neurotoxic chemical exposures.

Abstract: (2003). Material Safety Data Sheets: Their Use in Quebec Workers' Compensation Appeals Involving Neurotoxic Chemical Exposures. Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene: Vol. 18, No. 6, pp. 405-412.