Do You Suffer From Welder’s Disease?
Welding rod fumes are widely understood to cause manganese poisoning, also referred to as manganism, welder’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or manganese-induced Parkinsonism. Welders are exposed to toxic welding fumes and absorb manganese by inhaling the fumes from welding rods (electrodes). The occupational exposure occurs more often in confined workspaces without good ventilation. While mostly welders are affected by manganism, other people exposed may have worked as any of the following: boiler maker, iron worker, pipefitter, steel fabricator, ship fitter, sheet metal worker, agricultural worker, one who works with fossil fuels, millwright or carpenter.
Legal Help for Welders with Manganese Poisoning
If you or a loved one developed manganism / Parkinson’s from working as a welder or around welding rod fumes, contact us today to learn about the legal options available to you and your family. Welding rod manufacturers may be held responsible for failure to warn of the health hazards associated with their welding products. Employers may be found negligent for failure to provide exhaust ventilation and personal protective equipment such as respirators and failure to provide the Material Safety Data Sheet for manganese and proper OSHA-mandated safety training. Our firm offers a free case consultation and take no fees unless we win compensation on your behalf. Fill out our short online form or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636) to speak to a lawyer at our firm.
Manganese-induced Parkinsonism Symptoms
- Tremors
- Muscle stiffness and rigidity
- Joint pain
- Slowness of movement, lack of spontaneous movement, slow reactions, fixed gaze
- Instability, loss of equilibrium, failure to balance, difficulty walking, poor posture
- Partial paralysis
- Memory loss
- Speech problems
- Cramps in toes
- Drooling
- Constipation
- Drooling, difficulty swallowing
Welding Rod Fume Hazards Include
- Manganese Poisoning
- Metal fume fever (from welding zinc and inhaling zinc oxide)
- Lead poisoning
- Respiratory issues
- Heart problems
- Lung damage, lung cancer, pulmonary edema
- Kidney damage
- Reproductive and fertility problems
- Depression, anxiety and fatigue
Dangerous Welding Metals
Dangerous metals used in welding include: zinc, cadmium, nickel, chromium, copper, fluoride, lead, manganese, vanadium and lead (lead paint used over metals being welded). Manganese is widely used because combining manganese with steel allows for greater forging capabilities without compromising strength, stiffness, wear resistance, hardness, and the ability to harden. Besides industrial uses, manganese is found in most foods and in healthy amounts builds enzymic structures and aids in the uptake of the vitamin B1. In excess quantities, manganese becomes a toxin that crosses the blood-brain barrier and causes injury to the basal ganglia, the portion of the brain that transmits signals to various portions of the body for motor functions. Additionally, toxic gases are released during welding including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, fluorides and ozone.