Effects of combined exposure of manganese and iron on serum inflammatory factor levels among workers.

Objective: The aim of the study is to examine the association between long-term occupational exposure to Mn and Fe and their health effects in workers.

Methods: 108 Mn workers were selected for the Mn exposure groups; 92 non-Mn workers were in the control group. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was used to determine the Mn and Fe concentration in the working environment. Graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to determine the blood Mn concentration of workers. Serum inflammatory factors were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: The blood Mn concentration, positive rate of clinical symptoms and serum inflammatory response in the Mn exposure group was higher than in the control group.

Conclusions: Low levels of Mn exposure may increase blood Mn concentrations, the rate of complaints of neurological symptoms and promote increased serum inflammatory response in workers.