Dinkes & Schwitzer are 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. The fumes are what contain
the potentially hazardous elements such as fluorine, manganese,
zinc, lead, arsenic, calcium, sulfur, chrome and nickel. The gases
that are produced during the welding process contain carbon monoxide,
carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, 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 the tissues. 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 fume, 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. Slow
and decreased movement, muscular rigidity, tremor, and postural
instability characterize it.
Contact us if you or a
family member are a victim of manganese toxicity from being a welder
and would like more information
concerning your legal rights, please contact us.
Put proven injury
lawyers on your side. Contact Dinkes & Schwitzer
at 1-800-933-1212 for your free legal consultation.
