Welder’s Disease
Manganism or Welder’s Disease is similar to Parkinson’s disease as it is also a chronic neurological degenerative disorder. But its effects are caused by manganese poisoning. Welders often inhale manganese fumes when they weld metal rods. Manganese particles enter the blood stream and travel to the brain where nerve cells are damaged by this toxic by-product.
Symptoms associated with Welder’s Disease are tremors, impairment of speech, stiff muscles, an awkward gait, stooped posture, difficulty in swallowing, insomnia and memory loss. A recent study found that those who were exposed to manganese poisoning suffered from Parkinson-like symptoms 15 years earlier than Parkinson’s sufferers who were never exposed to welding fumes. It has yet to be proven there is a firm link between manganese inhalation and Parkinson’s.
In 2003, retired Illinois welder Larry Elam, got a US$1 million payout from his former employer Lincoln Electric. This is the first-ever successful class action lawsuit for Welder’s Disease in the U.S., which has led to other individuals seeking compensation for manganese-related injuries in a welding environment.
Related posts:
Sphere: Related Content
Leave a Reply