Manganese — biological monitoring
When to suspect: Welding (esp. confined-space), steel & ferro-alloy, dry-cell batteries, mining, glass.
Manganese in whole blood (µg/L)
| Level | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 4 – 15 | Normal whole-blood reference (ATSDR; avg ~9) |
| > 15 | Above reference — body burden raised (group indicator) |
No ACGIH BEI — no validated individual biomarker. Blood Mn is a GROUP exposure indicator only; interpret against the reference band, not pass/fail.
Biological exposure index
No ACGIH BEI for manganese (TLV-TWA only). Blood Mn used as a group exposure indicator vs the 4–15 µg/L reference.
Basis: ATSDR Toxicological Profile (4–15 µg/L); ACGIH (no BEI).
Sample collection & preparation
- Whole blood (Mn is largely RBC-bound): royal-blue-top K2EDTA / trace-element Na-heparin; never glass.
- Draw at a consistent time (commonly end of shift / end of workweek per program).
- Avoid contamination (remove work clothing, wash hands); disclose Mn supplements.
Statutory basis. Factories Act 1948 sets only AIR limits (Second Schedule TWA/STEL, s.41F) and mandates the hazardous-process exam (s.41C, ≤12-monthly); it gives NO blood/urine values. The ranges below are ACGIH BEI / OSHA / clinical benchmarks (India has not adopted biological limits into law).
Reference information for occupational-health professionals — not medical advice, and not a substitute for examination by a qualified physician.
All 27 agents — toxicology & biological monitoring
MedFactory — Occupational Health Centre software for Indian factories