$2.9 million Grant for Research on Neurological Health Effects of Environmental Manganese Exposure
- FHS Communications
Professor Gill Nelson Secures $2.9 million Grant for Research on Neurological Health Effects of Environmental Manganese Exposure
The Wits Faculty of Health Sciences Head of Occupational Health and Assistant Dean for Postgraduate Affairs, Professor Gill Nelson, received a $2.9 million (approximately R55 million) grant from the U.S. National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) to study the long-term neurological effects of Manganese (Mn) exposure.
This significant five-year grant will enable an expansion of a prior cross-sectional study (2015–2019) on the health effects of Mn exposure in South African communities. Although the prevalence of Mn is poorly documented in the country, Professor Nelson notes research indicates that risks of adverse health effects are higher in communities living in regions near manganese mining and industrial sites. “Studies like the first SMELTER study have reported higher prevalences of motor and cognitive impairments in exposed communities than in unexposed communities, highlighting the need for more comprehensive data on the health effects of manganese exposure,” she adds.
While essential in small amounts, Mn is a known neurotoxin at high exposure levels. It is commonly encountered in occupational settings and environmental hotspots, particularly from point source emissions, where toxins are released from manufacturing smokestacks, pipes, and legacy stockpiles of crushed ore and resuspended dust. Millions of people worldwide remain at risk of these conditions.
“The mining and steel production industries are the primary sources of occupational Mn exposure in South Africa,” explains Professor Nelson. She adds that industries like battery manufacturing, welding, and chemical production are also high-risk for Mn exposure.
The study will use advanced MRI techniques to assess neuroinflammation and introduce new air monitoring methods to examine the impact of particulate matter (PM) size on neurological outcomes. These strategies will provide critical insights into how exposure to respirable Mn particles, particularly from legacy sources, contributes to progressive neurodegeneration.
“The findings will be disseminated to relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare providers, and industry leaders, to inform evidence-based strategies aimed at reducing exposure and mitigating health risks for high-risk populations,” says Professor Nelson.