Welding Rod Exposure
The toxins contained in welding rod fumes, especially manganese, have been shown to cause a variety of neurological and movement disorders known as Parkinsonism. These include Parkinson’s disease, manganese-induced Parkinsonism, manganese poisoning and manganism.
Welding rod fumes, especially manganese, have been shown to cause a variety of neurological and movement disorders.
Manganese fumes
Welding rods may contain as much as 25% manganese, and may also contain fluorine, zinc, lead, arsenic, calcium, sulfur, chrome and nickel. Gases released during the welding process include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxide nitrogen, ozone and fluorine.
These fumes contain manganese, too. Typically, the rods or electrodes used in shielded metal arc, or “stick” welding, will contain the most manganese. Welding wire used in metal inert gas (MIG) welding may also contain a significant level of manganese.
Toxicity of manganese
Even in the 19th century, the toxicity of manganese was established. It passes into the bloodstream and spreads rapidly to the tissues. Manganese damages the basal ganglia of the human brain, where basic motor skills are controlled.
Symptoms of such injury may include:
• Tremors
• Slow and decreased movement, muscular rigidity
• Tendency to lose balance when standing
• Masked face (long periods of time without blinking,
no facial expressions, drooling)
• Unstable or impaired reflexes
• Akinesia and bradykinesia (restricted movement)
If you or a loved one suffer from the above injuries caused by exposure to welding rods, contact Hissey Kientz today, toll-free, at (866) 275-4454 to speak to one of our representatives about your potential case. Or if you wish, you may fill out an online case evaluation form to the right of this page).