ABSTRACT
Manganese (Mn) is an essential chemical element for the human body, but it can be neurotoxic if the homeostatic range is exceeded. In this article, we review and summarize research on environmental exposure to manganese contained in drinking water and and the relationship of excess manganese to disorders of the nervous system in children. We identified and analyzed 17 original articles published in 1983-2017. The most common bioindicator of exposure to Mn was manganese content in the hair, but some studies measured manganese in blood and urine. One study concerned the content of this element in dentin, one in umbilical cord blood. The WISC, IQ, CALVT scales were the most commonly used to assess cognitive functions. Most studies indicate that higher Mn exposure is associated with worse cognitive functions, motor and hyperactive behavior. Despite some potential limitations in peer-reviewed studies, the negative impact of exposure to manganese on the developing brain is well demonstrated and preventive strategies should be promoted.
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