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Welding-Related Parkinsonism; Welding Rod Disease; Welding Fumes Sickness

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. Parkinsons 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.

Products liability lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers of welding supplies which contain toxic fillers and which are responsible for manganese poisoning and early Parkinsons in welders.

• 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

Read more about Welding and Parkinsonism on our Welding and Parkinson's Disease Information Page.