Manganese Poisoning
Injuries on the job aren’t limited to broken bones and slipped disks. Injuries can be caused by an invisible, odorless, silent culprit called metal fumes.
The most likely people to be injured by metal fumes are steel workers and welders. Any welding, cutting or brazing can release the fumes, which are then inhaled and can cause major brain damage. The most harmful fume is from manganese, which has been linked to illnesses that resemble Parkinson’s.
Symptoms of manganese poisoning, which has been compared by some people as “the next asbestos,” include:
- Tremors
- Shakes
- Memory loss
- Impaired hand-eye coordination
- Cough and other cold symptoms
- Pneumonia
- Mood swings
- Abnormal facial expressions
- Difficulty walking
- Losing balance
- Difficulty speaking
- Leg cramps
- Drowsiness
Manganese poisoning can also cause impotency, and many people with the illness are misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s, Lou Gehrig’s, or Multiple Sclerosis. Manganese is highly-reactive, and is a gray metal that resembles iron.
To protect yourself from this illness, make sure your workplace has ventilation systems that meet or exceed OSHA standards. The exhaust hood should be placed near the welding flame, and fumes should be drawn away from the welder’s face. Wearing a respirator is also a good idea. Also, make sure your employer is aware of the dangers of working with manganese, and that he/she has taken precautions to protect employees from manganese poisoning.
In 2003, an Illinois welder was awarded $1 million after developing Parkinson’s from working with welding rods for years. Many more lawsuits are underway.
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