Once again, Manganese is the main concern when dealing with welding rod injury due to the fact that the Manganese causes Parkinson's like symptoms because it affects the part of the brain that produces dopamine. However, there are other dangerous and potentially deadly side effects that can occur as a direct result of other metals and particles that become ambient during the regular normal use of welding rods. These side effects cannot be ignored and the same ventilation precautions need to be taken.
ZINC Zinc is used in large quantities in the manufacture of brass, galvanized metals, and various other alloys. Inhalation of zinc oxide fumes can occur when welding or cutting on zinc-coated metals. Exposure to these fumes is known to cause metal fume fever. Symptoms of metal fume fever are very similar to those of common influenza. They include fever (rarely exceeding 102F), chills, nausea, dryness of the throat, cough, fatigue, and general weakness and aching of the head and body. The victim may sweat profusely for a few hours, after which the body temperature begins to return to normal. The symptoms of metal fume fever have rarely, if ever, lasted beyond 24 hours. The subject can then appear to be more susceptible to the onset of this condition on Mondays or on weekdays following a holiday than they are on other days.
CADMIUM Cadmium is used frequently as a rust-preventive coating on steel and also as an alloying element. Acute exposures to high concentrations or cadmium fumes can produce severe lung irritation, pulmonary edema, and in some cases, death. Long-term exposure to low levels of cadmium in air can result in emphysema (a disease affecting the ability of the lung to absorb oxygen) and can damage the kidneys.
BERYLLIUM Beryllium is sometimes used as a alloying element with copper and other base metals. Acute exposure to high concentrations of beryllium can result in chemical pneumonia. Long-term exposure can result in shortness of breath, chronic cough, and significant weight loss, accompanied by fatigue and general weakness.
IRON OXIDE Iron is the principal alloying element in steel manufacture. During the welding process, iron oxide fumes arise from both the base metal and the electrode. The primary acute effect of this exposure is irritation of nasal passages, throat, and lungs. Although long-term exposure to iron oxide fumes may result in iron pigmentation of the lungs, most authorities agree that these iron deposits in the lung are not dangerous.
MERCURY Mercury compounds are used to coat metals to prevent rust or inhibit foliage growth. Under the intense heat of the arc or gas flame, mercury vapors will be produced. Exposure to these vapors may produce stomach pain, diarrhea, kidney damage, or respiratory failure. Long-term exposure may produce tremors, emotional instability, and hearing damage.
LEAD The welding and cutting of lead-bearing alloys or metals whose surfaces have been painted with lead-based paint can generate lead oxide fumes. Inhalation and ingestion of lead oxide fumes and other lead compounds will cause lead poisoning. Symptoms include metallic taste in the mouth, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal cramps, and insomnia. In time, anemia and general weakness, chiefly in the muscles of the wrists, develop. Lead adversely affects the brain, central nervous system, circulatory system, reproductive system, kidneys, and muscles.
FLUORIDES Fluoride compounds are found in the coatings of several types of fluxes used in welding. Exposure to these fluxes may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Repeated exposure to high concentrations of fluorides in air over a long period may cause pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) and bone damage. Exposure to fluoride dusts and fumes has also produced skin rashes.
CHLORINATED HYDROCARBON SOLVENTS Various chlorinated hydrocarbons are used in degreasing or other cleaning operations. The vapors of these solvents are a concern in welding and cutting because the heat and ultraviolet radiation from the arc will decompose the vapors and form highly toxic and irritating phosgene gas. (See Phosgene.)
PHOSGENE Is formed by decomposition of chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents by ultra violetradiation. It reacts with moisture in the lungs to produce hydrogen chloride, which in turn destroys lung tissue. For this reason, any use of chlorinated solvents should be well away from welding operations or any operation in which ultraviolet radiation or intense heat is generated.
CARBON MONOXIDE Carbon monoxide is a gas usually formed by the incomplete combustion of various fuels. Welding and cutting may produce significant amounts of carbon monoxide. In addition, welding operations that use carbon dioxide as the inert gas shield may produce hazardous concentrations of carbon monoxide in poorly ventilated areas. This is caused by a "breakdown" of shielding gas. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and cannot be detected. Common symptoms of overexposure include pounding of the heart, a dull headache, flashes before the eyes, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and nausea.
NITROGEN OXIDES The ultraviolet light of the arc can produce nitrogen oxides (NO, NO ), from the nitrogen (N) 2 and oxygen (O ) in the air. Nitrogen oxides are produced by gas metal arc welding (GMAW 2 or short-arc), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW or heli-arc), and plasma arc cutting. Even greater quantities are formed if the shielding gas contains nitrogen. Nitrogen dioxide (NO ), 2 one of the oxides formed, has the greatest health effect. This gas is irritating to the eyes, nose and throat but dangerous concentrations can be inhaled without any immediate discomfort. High concentrations can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
OZONE Ozone (O ) is produced by ultraviolet light from the welding arc. Ozone is produced in 3 greater quantities by gas metal arc welding (GMAW or short-arc), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW or heli-arc), and plasma arc cutting. Ozone is a highly active form of oxygen and can cause great irritation to all mucous membranes. Symptoms of ozone exposure include headache, chest pain, and dryness of the upper respiratory tract. Excessive exposure can cause fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). Both nitrogen dioxide and ozone are thought to have long-term effects on the lungs.
Welding rod fumes contain manganese a deadly neurotoxin that inhibits the brain’s ability to regulate physical motion. Men and women exposed to these manganese fumes develop Parkinsonian symptoms at the age of 46 as opposed to 66 and suffer for the rest of their life. Manganism is an induced form of Parkinson’s Disease. If you or a loved one has been injured due to welding rod fumes then please fill out the form below and obtain the representation that you deserve.
Free Metals: Other Harmful Welding Particulate Matter Consultation
Personal Information:
Date of Birth / Age:
(ex. mm/dd/yyyy or 54)
Are you inquiring for yourself?
Yes No
If not, who are you
inquiring on behalf of?
If you are NOT inquiring on your own behalf,
what is your relationship to the injured person?
Is the person deceased?
Yes No
If deceased, what is the cause of death
as stated on the death certificate:
Date of Death:
(ex. mm/dd/yyyy)
Was an autopsy performed?
Yes No
If not deceased, does the
injury prevent you or the
victim from working?
Yes No
If yes, when did you/victim stop working?
What is the approximate lost wages
due to the injury?
Symptom Information:
How long were you a welder for? years
What were the
dates of exposure?*
Begin:
End:
City where you worked:
*
State where you worked:
*
What types of welding have you done before?
(Ex. MIG, TIG, Steel, Alloy, Other)
What BRANDS and TYPES of welding rods do you remember using?
Have you experienced any of the following symptoms?
Please check all that apply:
Tremors in any extremity?
Yes No
If yes, please explain:
Rigidity in hands, arms,
legs, or upper body?
Yes No
If yes, please explain:
Gait (Walking) Disturbances?
Yes No
If yes, please explain:
Facial Effects?
Yes No
If yes, please explain:
Speech Disorders?
Yes No
If yes, please explain:
Sexual Dysfunction?
Yes No
If yes, please explain:
Other Symptoms?
Yes No
If you have any medical problems that you feel
may be related, please explain:
Have you ever had an
MRI of the brain?
Yes No
Have you ever received medical
care for any of your symptoms?
Yes No
Have you been diagnosed with any of the following conditions?
Manganism
Manganese Toxicity
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinsons-Like Syndrome
Parkinsonism
Other Neurological Disease
What was the date of diagnosis?
Case Description*
Please explain exactly what happened, trying to state
as thoroughly as possible who you believe was responsible
and why you believe that person was negligent:
Please explain the full extent of the victims injuries:
Comments / Additional Information
Is there anything else that would assist us in
understanding the facts of your case?
To Better Serve You:
Please tell us how you found us? If "other" please specify.
Please specify how you found us (if other than above):
If you found us using a search engine,
please tell us which search engine?
Please tell us exactly what terms you typed into the
search engine to find us? (i.e. Personal Injury Lawyers)
I understand that by filling out this free consultation form I am not forming an attorney client relationship. I understand that I may only retain an attorney by entering into a fee agreement and that by submitting this form I am not entering into a fee agreement. I understand that not all submissions may receive a response.
Yes
No
I agree that the above does not constitute a request for legal advice. I agree that any information that I will receive in response to the above question is general information and I will not be charged for the response to this e-mail question. I further understand that the law for each state may vary, and therefore, I will not rely upon this information as legal advice. I agree that if this matter requires advice regarding my home state, local counsel may be contacted for referral of this matter. I understand that email is not secure and thus I am not forming a confidential relationship.
Yes
No
Welding Rod Lawsuits is a web site intended to provide basic information about personal injury resulting from welding rod fumes. The Welding-Rods-Lawsuits.com web site is owned and operated by CounselSeek and managed by Richard Callahan, Esq. For more information please see our disclaimer and terms and conditions. Welding Rod Lawsuits does not offer legal advice, recommendations, mediation or counseling. If you or someone you know has sustained personal injury as a result of welding rod fumes, you should contact a product liability or personal injury lawyer immediately. Click Here, for a free, no obligation consultation from a personal injury attorney.
