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Welding Rods: Manganese Fumes and Parkinson's
The main pollutants of concern during welding operations are particulate matter and particulate phase hazardous air pollutants. Only electric arc welding generates pollutants in quantities of major concern. The welding fume is formed by the vaporization and recondensation of metallic elements upon cooling in ambient air. The elemental composition of the fume varies with the electrode and workpiece composition. Hazardous metals listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, which have been detected in welding fume, include manganese, nickel, chromium, cobalt, and lead. Manganese is present at detectable levels in most welding processes. The other metals are found at lower quantities. Manganese is in stainless and carbon steels and in welding rods. Most fumes come from welding rods when a rod melts to produce a weld.
The Facts on the Side Effects of Welding Rod Manganese Fumes:
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Welders had a younger age onset of Parkinson's Disease at an average age of 46 compared with the non-welders population who had an onset of parkinsons disease at an average age of 63. A corollary to that fact is that 10% of welders develop Parkinson's disease while 1% of the average population develops Parkinson's.
Parkinsonism is a disabling neurological disorder associated with the following symptoms:
1. Tremors of the arms and hands;
2. Loss of balance
3. Excessive periods of time with little or no blinking, or facial expressions;
4. Drooling;
5. Slow, unsteady and decreased movement;
6. Stiffness in arms;
7. Akinesia
8. Stiffness in legs;
9. Gait changes, including “shuffling of feet” and rigidity in arms;
10. Loss of balance
11. Fixed gaze - Excessive periods of time with little or no blinking, or facial expressions;
12. Drooling;
13. Impaired reflexes;
14. Bradykinesia
Welding Rod Safety as Prescribed by the OSHA
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another, whether a direct welding rod accident or injury due to the side effects of welding rod fumes, fill out the Welding Rod: Parkinson's form provided below to the best of your ability and an attorney will review your potenital welders disease / welders compensation claim.
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