Toxic Exposure: Manganese

Welding Rod & Manganese Fume Exposure: Manganism/Parkinsonian Syndrome/Parkinsonism

THE SIMPLE FACTS^TM...Manganese is a common metal. Manganese is used in welding rods. Exposure to manganese during welding may be toxic. In addition to Manganese poisoning from toxic welding fumes, the dangers from welding may also include metal fume fever, fire, electric shock, compressed gases, and injury to the eyes, hands, feet, lungs, heart, kidney, and central nervous system. The exposure to manganese fumes may lead to Manganism or Parkinsonian Syndrome.

It is important to note that welding in a confined space can significantly increase exposure to manganese fumes. For information about assessment of occupational exposure to manganese visit the NIOSH manganese topic page.

Welding requires an enormous degree of precautionary measures because the risks of injury are extremely high. The fumes produced during welding are a natural by-product of welding. The exposure to manganese can vary considerably depending on the amount of manganese in the welding wire, rods, flux and base metal. In addition, many of the paints that have coated metal are lead based. Lead is a known carcinogen.

Exposure to manganese dust can also occur in mining, ore-crushing, and metallurgical operations for iron, steel, ferrous and nonferrous alloys. Manufacturing of dry-cell batteries, anti-knock gasoline additives, pesticides (e.g. maneb), pigments, dyes, inks and incendiary devices can also lead to occupational manganese exposure. Manganese fumes are produced during metallurgical operations and several types of welding operations.

HEALTH PROBLEMS FROM MANGENESE EXPOSURE

Manganism / Parkinsonian Syndrome/Parkinsonism

Manganism results from damage to the basal ganglia area of the brain, which controls many movement and motor control signals. Manganese poisoning symptoms may include:

• tremors

• muscle stiffness

• rigidity

• instability and lack of balance

• slowness of movement

• joint pain

• cramps

• memory loss

• partial paralysis

• drooling

• difficulty swallowing and

• constipation

There is no cure for manganism. In order to treat it successfully, it must be caught early when cessation of manganese exposure is still possible. Because the symptoms are similar, welders may be mistakenly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) or MS (multiple sclerosis).

Quite frankly, the simple facts^TM about the Manganese and the possible injuries - Manganism/Parkinsonism - from the unsafe exposure to Manganese during confined welding and other occupations is unacceptable.

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