What has the Washington University School of Medicine discovered ?
In a recent (2001) study, the Washington University School of Medicine
discovered that as a class, welders developed Parkinson’s
disease 15 years earlier than non-welders. This has prompted at
over 3000 claims, and placed the welding industry under scrutiny.
What is it about welding rods that may cause injury?
Welding rods contain various metals and elements that vaporize into
the air when the rods are melted during welding. Some of these materials
are toxic if inhaled.
Professional welders have been inhaling these toxic fumes for decades.
In many cases, the symptoms were similar to Parkinson’s Disease,
a degenerative disease of the nervous system that results in a loss of
muscle control.
What specific elements are to blame?
Manganese is found in relatively high levels in welding rods. The inhalation
of manganese fumes can lead to Parkinson-like symptoms.
Some welding rods also contain asbestos, which is widely known
to be a carcinogen.
The byproduct of melting Thorium is radioactive particles which can
also increase the chance for cancer.
Who is being held liable for injuries caused by toxic welding rods?
There is evidence that the industry was aware of these problems as far
back as the 1920s. If adequate warning had been provided, many of these
cases could have been prevented by the use of respiratory equipment and
ventilation.
In 2003, more than 3,000 claims against welding rod manufacturers were
consolidated in an Ohio Federal Court
Recently, the Illinois Supreme Court upheld a $1 million verdict in
favor of a man who had a suffered welding rod related illness.
Workers can’t protect themselves against unknown dangers. Welders
suffering from inhaling toxic fumes, should really go and be checked
out by their doctor.
