A couple of years ago the EPA sent out a report known as the Ohio Air Toxics report that showed air manganese concentration in different areas across the state. Of all those areas, East Liverpool and the surrounding area had three of the highest levels in the state.

"They were 30 times higher than the EPA reference concentration which was a big flag," said Erin Haynes, who is an assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati. "The next step was to find out are the particles getting into the children's bodies."

Manganese is a normal element you need when you eat, but it's also used in a number of industries including, steel and battery manufacturing. When those industries emit it into the air it can become toxic and scientists are finding out that it has an effect on the brain.

On Thursday night, parents and researchers gathered at Kent State University's East Liverpool Campus to talk about the latest results of one of their pilot studies that tested the hair and blood of more than 100 children from northern Hancock County and southern Columbiana County.

"I thought it was important to find out what kind of environment we are living in around this area, all the factories," said Danny Cornell whose son took part in the study.

Cornell won't know what manganese can do to his child's brain, just yet.

"That's the question that we have what are the effects and that's the plan of the upcoming study we have and it will be designed to answer that question," Haynes said.

Researchers say the next round of tests include written tests and games for 7, 8, and 9-year-olds that will help them compare kids in the area with others in Ohio.

Organizers will start their next study to find out the effects of manganese in early January. Parents who are interested should contact their school for more information.