Welder’s Disease / Manganism is a chronic disorder of the central nervous system. The manganism is similar to Parkinson’s Disease, and
may
include slow and clumsy movements, tremors, shakes, weakness,
difficulty breathing, loss of coordination and slurred speech. Manganism
or parkinsonism develops after years of exposure to welding fumes
containing manganese. Unfortunately, OSHA does not presently require
that special ventilation or respirators be provided when manganese fumes
are encountered during welding.Welding smoke or welding rod fumes is a mix of fine particles and gases; many of the welding rod particles, include arsenic, asbestos, manganese, carbon monoxide and lead. These toxic fumes and welding rod gases may come from any of the elements in the process, including the material being welded, the filler material used in brazing or soldering, or coatings and paints on the metal being welded.
There are welding industry regulations requiring specific safety measures to prevent injury to welders from welding rod fumes. Proper welding rod ventilation is essential to protect welders from excessive welding rod fumes. Welding in closed spaces also requires the use of a self-contained breathing equipment. If there is any cancer-causing substance present in the air, respirators must be provided and welders and others must be properly trained in their use.
Because there are so many harmful substances in welding rod fumes, it is difficult to list all possible side effects. Some of the components can be fatal in a short time, such as phosgene gas and cadmium. Other welding rod fumes may only create short-term stomach ailments or breathing problems. Long-term side effects can include lung cancer, other lung problems, heart disease and skin disease.
Manganism is caused by exposure to high levels of manganese. Manganese is a naturally occurring substance found in many types of rock. Pure manganese is a silver-colored metal, somewhat like iron in its physical and chemical properties. Manganese does not occur in the environment as the pure metal. Rather, it occurs combined with other chemicals such as oxygen, sulfur, and chlorine. These compounds are solids that do not evaporate. However, small dust particles of the solid material can become suspended in air. Some manganese compounds can dissolve in water, and low levels of these compounds are normally present in lakes, streams, and the ocean. Manganese can change from one compound to another (either by natural processes or by man’s activities), but it does not break down or disappear in the environment. Welding rods consists of metal coated with or containing manganese, zinc, cadmium, chromium, copper, fluoride, lead, or vanadium, because the resulting fumes can cause a condition commonly known as metal-fume fever. This condition may in fact be more serious than the name metal fume fever or welders sickness or welders disease, it may be early stages of Parkinson’s Disease or Manganism.
Welding Rod Manganese
Rocks containing high levels of manganese compounds are mined and used to produce manganese metal. This manganese metal is mixed with iron to make various types of steel. Some manganese compounds are used in the production of batteries, as an ingredient in some ceramics, pesticides, and fertilizers, and in dietary supplements. Miners, welders, pesticides workers and fertilizer workers, making certain types of batteries, ceramic workers, and workers in steel production are at risk for manganism.
Too much manganese, however, can cause serious illness. Although there are some differences between different kinds of manganese, most manganese compounds seem to cause the same effects. Manganese miners or steel workers exposed to high levels of manganese dust in air may have mental and emotional disturbances, and their body movements may become slow and clumsy. This combination of symptoms is a disease called manganism. Workers usually do not develop symptoms of manganism unless they have been exposed for many months or years. Manganism occurs because too much manganese injures a part of the brain that helps control body movements. Some of the symptoms of manganism can be reduced by medical treatment, but the brain injury is permanent. There are reports that patients have developed symptoms several years after exposure to manganese had ceased. Manganism is a permanently disabling disease for which there is no cure.
Welding Rod Fume – Manganism Symptoms
Tremors or Shakes
Slowed movement
Slurred speech or slow speech
Stiffness in arm and leg muscles
Decreased hand agility
Depression
Difficulty walking
Distorted facial expression
Increased irritability
Joint pain
Loss of equilibrium (balance)
Loss of short term memory Sinus problems
Slowed movement
Sudden and/or severe mood changes
Tremors
Welding Rod Parkinsonism Symptoms
Slowness of movement;
Poor balance. Particularly during abrupt movement;
Repeated falls due to loss of balance and fainting or lightheadedness;
Walking problems;
Dizziness,
Sleep disturbances,
Stooped posture
Problems with speech, breathing, and swallowing
Short, shuffling steps; and
Difficulty turning.
Tremors ( arms, legs, head, neck, and face;
Rigidity (increased stiffness in the muscles);
Pain, especially in the arms and shoulders;
Depression,
Problems with speech, breathing, and swallowing
Short, shuffling steps; and
Difficulty turning.