Screening for early detection of parkinsonism using a self-administered questionnaire: A cross-sectional epidemiologic study

•We report a cost effective screening option for manganese associated neurotoxicity.•Questionnaires validated against examination by a movement disorder specialist.•A screening questionnaire could be valuable in an occupational health program.•This could benefit remote workplaces unable to offer regular clinical examinations.•Identifying early signs is valuable to mitigate risk of irreversible neurotoxicity. Manganese (Mn) is a common component of welding fume. Exposure to Mn fume has been associated with parkinsonism. A simple and reliable screening tool to evaluate Mn exposed workers for neurotoxic injury would have broad occupational health application. This study investigated 490 occupational welders recruited from a trade union list. Subjects were examined by a movement disorders specialist using the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale motor subsection 3 (UPDRS3). Parkinsonism, intermediate, and normal groups were defined as UPDRS3 score ≥15, 6–15, and