Welding Rod Claims

Welding Rod Claims

If you have been exposed to welding rod fumes, you may have been exposed to manganese.  This heavy metal can damage the part of the brain that controls deliberate bodymovements, such as walking, speaking and swallowing.

The resulting illness is called manganism, and it is a type of 'secondary parkinsonsim', which means it is like Parkinson's disease in its symptoms and effects on the brain.  You may even have been diagnosed with Parkinson's when your illness, in fact, is actually manganese poisoning.

Although the damage to the brain is almost always permanent, the symptoms an be treated.

Symptoms of manganese poisoning, or manganism include:

• Lack of facial expression, staring
• Slow or slurred speech or difficulty speaking
• Difficulty writing
• Difficulty swallowing or eating
• Muscle stiffness, aches, pains or cramps
• Tremors or shaking
• Shuffling or difficulty walking
• Poor balance
• Poor memory

If you are suffering with any of the symptoms of manganism or Parkinson's disease and you have not yet sought medical help, please do so immediately.  Only a doctor can give you an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.  If you have a history of exposure to welding rodfumes, be sure to inform your doctor about manganism.  For more information, please see the following related links:  

Public Health Statement for Manganese

Welding Rod Litigation - Protect Your Rights

Welding Hazards

Manganese Chemical Backgrounder from National Safety Council

Secondary Parkinsonism from Medline Plus