Welding rods
The normal use of manganese welding rods releases toxic fumes that may have serious health effects on workers who have been exposed to them. Exposure can trigger the onset of debilitating conditions such as manganism or manganese poisoning or Parkinson's Disease, lung cancer, kidney disease, and acute metal poisoning. Fumes emitted during the welding of older, paint-covered metal can pose additional dangers.
Manganism or "welders disease" is the name given to a combination of symptoms suffered by workers whose brains have been injured by prolonged exposure to manganese fumes.
Numerous symptoms can arise from exposure, including tremors and shaking, problems walking, balance problems, slow movement, muscle rigidity, slow or slurred speech, sleeping disorders, irregular handwriting, poor memory, sexual impotence, double vision, mental confusion, restlessness, and irritability.
Everyone responds differently to exposure. Testing has shown that approximately 10% of workers tested had some neurological impairment. The symptoms varied from very mild to serious.
Workers exposed to welding rod fumes are at risk of developing manganese poisoning, Parkinson's Disease, or other conditions associated with inhaling toxic welding fumes. A worker is "at risk" if he works in a job that increases his risk of developing a work-related illness.
Workers who are most at risk of being injured by welding rod fumes include:
» Welders
» Steelworkers
» Metal workers
» Ironworkers
» Pipe fitters
» Electrical workers
» Railroad workers
» Glass manufacturers
Anyone who has suffered ill health effects through prolonged exposure to welding rod fumes can file a welding rod lawsuit. A close family member can file suit if the worker has passed away, as can the executor of the worker's estate.