Welding industry lawsuits dealing with Manganese & Welding Rod Fumes

What do Manganism, Mesothelioma , and Parkinsonism have to to with Welding lawsuits?

Welding industry lawsuits...Whats all this about?

Is it just another class action lawsuit like the Mesothelioma lawsuit ads you see on TV?

Well, Kind of. In the same way that asbestos fibers have affected the health of many workers, A lot of people think that welding fumes have done the same.

Exposure to welding rod fumes may lead to neurological disorders. The toxins contained in welding rod fumes, especially manganese, have been shown to cause a variety of neurological and movement disorders often referred to as Parkinsonism. These include Parkinson's disease, manganese-induced Parkinsonism, manganese poisoning and Manganism. Symptoms may include tremors in hands, arms or upper body, reduced facial expression, rigidity in arms, legs or hands, difficulty swallowing, shuffling walk or balance difficulties when walking, loss of memory; loss of desire to talk or slow speech, irregular handwriting, or a feeling of weakness and lethargy. Although it is not yet proven that the manganese in welding rod fumes causes Parkinson's Disease, studies have shown that manganese may contribute to its early onset. That is the reason for recent welding industry lawsuits.

Manganese is the Element at the center of welding industry lawsuits

Manganese is a naturally occurring metal found in many types of rocks. It is an essential trace element needed in the body for good health. However, exposure to excess levels of manganese can cause damage to the brain, liver, kidneys and central nervous system. Manganese has been known since the early nineteenth century to be toxic to workers who inhale Manganese or Mangenese fumes. In the late 1980s, the E.P.A. classified manganese emissions from welding and other steel processing as "toxic releases." You are more likely to be exposed to higher than usual levels of manganese if you work in a factory where manganese metal is produced from manganese ores or where manganese compounds are used to make steel or other products. Welders, miners, pipe-fitters and others who work with manganese on a daily basis are at risk for developing injury. Welding rods, welding electrodes and welding wire all contain manganese.

Welding Rod Fumes and Welding industry lawsuits

Welding is the practice of joining pieces of metal together using heat and pressure. Welding is considered a dangerous job, as there are many hazards that welders face: fire safety, electric shock, compressed gases, toxic fumes and the threat of physical injury. Carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, ozone and manganese are all harmful gases that welders may be exposed to. Fumes are a natural by-product of welding work, but regulation and enforcement of safety is lacking. Even simple welding jobs should require respiratory protection or ventilation. The industry requires welding rod manufacturers to make a safer product that reduces the risks workers face.

Welding rods may contain up to 25% manganese. 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. Fumes released during the welding process also contain a dangerous amount of manganese.

In 2001, researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine found that 15 professional welders developed typical clinical and neurological signs of Parkinson's Disease an average of 15 years earlier than the general population. This has resulted in several Welding industry lawsuits.

Epidemiological studies of workers who have worked with manganese welding rods or been exposed to the fumes emitted from these welding rods have provided consistent evidence indicating that neurotoxicity is associated with low-level occupational manganese exposure. Clinical research indicates that neurologic dysfunction continues to increase even after removal from the manganese exposure. We recommend that you participate in a manganese screening if you work or used to work with welding rods. Educate yourself on welding industry lawsuits.

So if you are a welder young or old, Do yourself a favor and wear a respirator whenever you can.

Keep your head out of the smoke. Wear a dust mask. Do something to protect yourself whenever possible.

Welding can be as safe as other crafts. But not if you forget to use your brain. Not interested in welding industry lawsuits ?