Manganese pollution and brain health in South African communities
South African Manganese EnvironmentaL NeuroToxic Effects Research (SMELTER)
This project follows people who live near a manganese smelter in South Africa to see how long-term exposure affects movement, thinking, and mood over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Phoenix, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180294 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will track people from communities near a manganese smelter and a nearby comparison town over several years. They measure air manganese levels, perform movement exams (including the UPDRS3 motor test), and give cognitive and mood tests using tools validated in local languages. The team previously enrolled over 800 residents (more than 700 exposed) and found worse motor and thinking performance in the exposed town. This phase focuses on following the same people to learn whether those problems progress with continued exposure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who live in or near the manganese-exposed community (Meyerton) or the nearby reference community and who can complete motor, cognitive, and mood testing over time are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with no history of manganese exposure, those unable to travel to study visits, or those who cannot complete the tests may not directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could clarify how manganese pollution harms movement and thinking and support actions to reduce exposure or improve care for affected communities.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier cross-sectional analyses from this cohort showed that residents near the smelter had poorer motor and cognitive performance, but long-term progression studies remain limited.
Where this research is happening
Phoenix, United States
- St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center — Phoenix, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Racette, Brad a — St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Racette, Brad a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.