Learn More About Welding Rods Fume Exposure

Welding has been ranked as one of the most utilized industrial processes, relating in one form or another to approximately 50% of the US gross national product (GNP). Welding has been linked to debilitating neurological injuries. In 2003 HSBC estimated around 800,000 US workers may have been injured by welding or welding related activities.

Manganism, Parkinson's disease, and Parkinsonism are permanent and progressive neurologic diseases that materialize after inhaling welding byproducts (i.e. manganese fumes or particulate matter). These neurological diseases may not develop until years after exposure and can become worse over time. Recent studies indicate welders or persons surrounded by welding fumes may be affected by Parkinson's disease up to 16 years younger than the general population. With regular exposure, manganese poisoning can occur within as little as 49 days, but most often these symptoms are not fully actualized until several years later.

Manganese is a metal most frequently used in combination with other metals. Combining manganese with steel allows for greater forging capabilities without compromising strength, stiffness, wear resistance, hardness, and the ability to harden. Besides industrial uses, manganese is found in most foods and in healthy amounts builds enzymic structures and aids in the uptake of the vitamin B1. In excess quantities, manganese becomes a toxin that crosses the blood-brain barrier and causes injury to the basal ganglia, the portion of the brain that transmits signals to various portions of the body for motor functions.

For over a century, manufacturers of welding rods were aware their products could induce neurological toxicities. Welding industry internal documents dating as far back as the 1950s show evidence manufacturers knew and understood the neurological risks from fume exposure but waited 17 years to take action. Starting in 1967, warnings were placed on the bottom of welding rod cans, the place least visible to consumers. The 1967 warning read as follows:

CAUTION Welding may produce fumes and gases hazardous to health. Avoid breathing these fumes and gases. Use adequate ventilation. Use USA standard Z49.1. "Safety in Welding and Cutting" Published by the American Welding Society.

These warnings failed to clearly mention any neurological risks associated with using these products. Thus persons exposed to welding rod fumes containing manganese were not aware of any risks and were placed unnecessarily at risk.

Injury to welders or persons exposed excessively to welding fumes occurs primarily through inhalation. Manganese, a component of welding rod fumes, is extremely hazardous to human health in concentrated levels and more specifically noted for neurodegeneration by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), ATSDR (Agency For Toxic Substances and Disease Registry), NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Common symptoms resulting from manganese toxicity are:

tremors or shakes

decreased hand dexterity

masklike face

altered gait, change in walking pattern

slurred or mumbled speech

loss of balance and walking difficulties

sleep deprivation

Weitz & Luxenberg is no longer accepting new Welding Rod cases.

Timeline

Welding Rod Litigation - Welding Rod Lawyers - Welding Rod Timeline
Here you can find a history of Welding Rods, including what welding product manufacturers knew and when they knew it.

Manganese Info

Welding Rod Litigation - Welding Rod Lawyers - Manganese Information
Here you can find a history of Welding Rods, including Manganese

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Welding Rod Litigation - Welding Rod Lawyer - Learn More about Welding Rods
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