Dinkes & Schwitzer is currently investigating the manufacturers of welding products that produce manganese poisoning that causes Parkinson¹s Disease.
When welding two pieces of metal, filler is used like a glue to hold the pieces together. The filler material is commonly referred to as a welding rod. Welding rods contain as much as 25% manganese. Although there are several different types of welding methods, the most frequently used employ an electric arc or a gas-oxygen flame. That arc, or flame, produces highly concentrated fumes and gases during the welding process.
These fumes and gases are known to contain potentially hazardous elements such as fluorine, manganese, zinc, lead, arsenic, calcium, sulphur, chrome, nickel, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, ozone and fluorine. Although all of these gases are invisible, some do have an odor.
The most hazardous material is manganese. Manganese passes into the blood stream and then spreads rapidly to tissue. Primary damage from exposure to high levels of manganese by inhalation is found in the central nervous system. Even as little exposure time as three months can produce damage.
The toxins contained in the welding fumes, especially manganese, cause a wide spectrum of what are called extra pyramidal movement disorders. Among these disorders are:
• Parkinson's Disease manganese poisoning
• Parkinsonism manganism
Parkinsonism, most commonly diagnosed as Parkinson's Disease, is a slow, degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. It is characterized by slow and decreased movement, muscular rigidity, tremors, and postural instability.
Contact us at 1-800-933-1212 if you or a family member have been the victim of manganese toxicity from welding.
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