Welding fumes may cause the early onset of Parkinson’s Disease in welders. Sometimes this occupational disease is called welding-related Parkinsonism, welding rod disease, or welding fumes sickness.

Long term and heavy exposure to welding fumes can result in the early development of Parkinson’s Disease (also known as Parkinson’s Syndrome, PD or Parkinsons.). Occupational exposure to manganese fumes emitted when filler materials are burned during welding has been related to the development of early Parkinson’s Disease in some welders. Parkinson’s Disease is caused by the progressive destruction of nerve cells that control muscle movement.

It has been long known that manganese poisoning or manganese toxicity can lead to an occupational disease called manganism. Because symptoms of manganism disease are so similar to Parkinson’s symptoms, manganism has been classified as a Parkinson’s syndrome by doctors; thus, manganese exposure from welding fumes may be an environmental cause of Parkinson’s Disease in welders.

HossleyEmbry is in the process of filing a number of products liability lawsuits against manufacturers of welding supplies that contain toxic fillers and which are responsible for manganese poisoning and early Parkinsons in welders.

Health effects may include:
  • Tremors; shaky or slow movements;
  • Impaired hand-eye coordination; abnormal balance;
  • Awkward movements; clumsiness; difficulty with walking;
  • Lack of body control; loss of motor skills;
  • Slurred speech; lack of facial expression;
  • Weakness and tiredness; mood problems.

What is manganism?
Manganism is a disease that causes problems with movement and damages the liver, kidneys and central nervous system. It is caused by excessive exposure to manganese, a metallic chemical element. Although small amounts of manganese are actually needed by the body, overexposure can lead to the development of manganism. Manganism causes a loss of motor skills and coordination as well as mental and psychological problems. It is most likely to affect                                           people who are frequently exposed to manganese                                           through their jobs.

What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system disorder that occurs when the brain fails to produce enough of an important neurotransmitter called dopamine. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by problems with movement. Tremors, a shuffling gait, slack facial muscles, speech difficulties, depression and psychological imbalance can all be manifest. Parkinson’s is a progressive disease for which there is currently no cure. It typically affects older people, and its cause remains indeterminate.