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this pageWelding Fumes Can Be Dangerous
Welding rods can give off hazardous fumes that contain manganese, a metal that severely damages the brain and central nervous system. Welders exposed to manganese–containing welding fumes may develop Parkinson’s disease. This is a serious illness that affects walking and other movements. Symptoms include body stiffness, tremors, shaking, slowed movements, and difficulty moving facial muscles. Welders often show the first signs of the disease at an earlier age than do other Parkinson’s disease victims.
Welders may also suffer from “manganese poisoning” or “manganism” from welding fumes. This disorder presents many symptoms that are similar to Parkinson’s disease, which is why some refer to it as a type of “Parkinsonism.”
Manganese Exposure in Workers
The dangers of manganese have been known since 1837, when a doctor first described tremors and body rigidity in Scottish manganese ore grinders. Similar health problems were observed over a century later in farmworkers exposed to manganese–containing pesticides and in people who worked with manganese alloys.
For many years, welders and their co–workers were exposed to the manganese in welding fumes for extended periods of time without being aware that they were in danger. Welding rod manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers may have concealed these hazards while they knew about the health risks. Some welding rod companies eventually put cautions on the bottom of cartons that held numerous welding rods. This made it unlikely that welders would read the caution notes when they worked with a particular welding rod.
Welders May Suffer from Asbestos–Related Diseases
Welders may develop asbestos–related diseases such as asbestosis and the cancer mesothelioma. This is because some welding rods are coated with asbestos. In addition, welders often work with asbestos blankets or asbestos gloves, or in close proximity to other trades using asbestos–containing products. If you are a welder, you should have your doctor closely monitor the condition of your lungs as well as look for health issues related to manganese in welding fumes.
Reviewing Your Welding Fume Case
For more detailed information about welding rods, see Welding Rod Dangers (a web site concernng welding fumes and your health). Brayton Purcell is now evaluating welders’ claims of injuries from welding fumes. We are also reviewing cases of welders with asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma. Please contact us to learn more about your legal choices if you suffer from an asbestos–related disease or if you have been exposed to welding fumes and have Parkinson’s disease, manganism, Parkinsonism, or Parkinson–like symptoms. We have been handling cases involving toxic substances for over 20 years and work hard to protect the legal rights of our clients.