Environmental exposure to manganese in air: Associations with cognitive functions

•186 adult residents of two towns environmentally exposed to manganese in air.•Modeled mean average air-Mn exposures over 10 years range from 0.01 to 6.32μg/m3.•Cognitive function was assessed with comprehensive neuropsychological screening test battery.•Increased air-Mn levels inversely related to working/visuospatial memory and verbal skills. Manganese (Mn), an essential element, can be neurotoxic in high doses. This cross-sectional study explored the cognitive function of adults residing in two towns (Marietta and East Liverpool, Ohio, USA) identified as having high levels of environmental airborne Mn from industrial sources. Air-Mn site surface emissions method modeling for total suspended particulate (TSP) ranged from 0.03 to 1.61μg/m3 in Marietta and 0.01–6.32μg/m3 in East Liverpool. A comprehensive screening test battery of cognitive function, including the domains of abstract thinking, attention/concentration, executive function and memory was administered. The mean age of the participants was 56 years (±10.8 years). Participants were mostly female (59.1) and primarily white (94.6%). Significant relationships (p