Watch Out: Welding Fumes Cause Neurological Problems

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Medical Express explains that those who are exposed to airborne manganese at levels below the federal standards appear to have neuro problems that are quite similar to Parkinson’s. This is according to a new report from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

They also discovered that the more these workers are exposed to the substance, the faster the sign and symptoms worsen. The results were released on December 28, in the journal Neurology. It suggests that the current protocol for safety may not be as effective in protecting the welders.

Low Levels Of Manganese In Welding Fumes Cause Neurological Problems

At high levels, manganese – a key component of important industrial processes such as welding and steelmaking – can cause manganism, a severe neurologic disorder with symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, including slowness, clumsiness, tremors, mood changes, and difficulty walking and speaking. Read more…

Science Daily explores the results further. The findings of the researchers indicate that chronic exposure to manganese-containing fumes is highly associated with progressive neurological symptoms. These include slow movement and difficulty speaking.

Brad A. Racette, MD, a professor of neurology and the study’s senior author says that the more exposure you have, the faster your symptoms progress over time. The risk that workers face, especially that of manganism, led the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to limit manganese levels in workplaces.

Welding Fumes Cause Neurological Problems

At high levels, manganese — a key component of important industrial processes such as welding and steelmaking — can cause manganism, a severe neurologic disorder with symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, including slowness, clumsiness, tremors, mood changes, and difficulty walking and speaking. Read more…

Eurekalert added: Dr. Racette says these workers are developing parkinsonian symptoms. What’s even baffling is that their exposure to manganese is below the regulatory limits.

The study implies that there is a need to strictly monitor the manganese exposure, as well as implementing compliance in using protective equipment. Moreover, he says that a systematic assessment of welders should be done in order to stop the progress of the disease.

For Welders, Parkinson-Like Symptoms Get Worse With Exposure

Welding has been linked to parkinsonism, which is a general term for a group of disorders that cause movement problems similar to those seen in Parkinson’s disease, such as slow movement and stiffness. Read more…

It may be good practice to strictly comply with the safety standards for manganese exposure. The study tackles that while welders do their jobs, they are still vulnerable to the disease. The government and the companies should devise a stronger plan on how to deal with this condition.

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