Welding And Parkinson's Disease

Accidents at construction on the rise in recent decades, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) specifically on those sub-welding construction trade to find an alarming increase in injuries and deaths among welders. According to the Department of Labor, 1992-2001, the mortality rate for a welder has increased by 68 per cent of all construction workers represented.

If an employee is working, has previously worked, or is in an area where industrial welding is done, chances are the employee was exposed to welding rod fumes. Recent medical research suggests that exposure to welding fumes can lead to numerous health problems, including two serious diseases, Parkinson's disease and manganism. There are many ongoing trials on this exposure, the risks and health effects on employees.

For example, in early September 2005, a Mississippi shipyard worker, who claimed his neurological problems were caused by inhaling fumes from welding rods has concluded his trial by settling the last two defendants welding company in his case. continuation of the worker against two manufacturers of welding has been set for trial next week. The lawsuit was settled for more than one million dollars.

As mentioned, the two diseases most commonly reported in medical exposure to welding fumes are manganism and Parkinson's disease. A description of each of these diseases follows:

* Manganism, also known as secondary parkinsonism is a condition that develops when excessive levels of manganese injured part of brain that controls body movements. The symptoms of this condition are fatigue, headaches, slurred speech or slow, poor memory, impaired balance, tremors, delusions and hallucinations, disorientation and / or difficulty walking .

* In addition to manganism, recent studies have shown that exposure to manganese fumes is associated with early onset Parkinson's disease. In fact, research conducted at the School of Medicine, University of Washington found that welders developed symptoms of Parkinson's disease on average 15 years earlier than the general population.

Many motor system disorders are caused by the reduction and eventual loss of brain cells that produce dopamine, which is essential for the body. Among these diseases, Parkinson's disease is classified with these disorders. Of the four main symptoms of the disease is a seizure or trembling as the movement that occurs often in the face and appendages including legs, hands and arms, stiffness, or stiffness of limbs and trunk, slowness movement and balance as well as poor posture and coordination are wavering among other symptoms. As these symptoms become more pronounced, patients may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks. The first symptoms of the disease are subtle and occur gradually. Other symptoms may include depression and other emotional changes, problems in swallowing, chewing, and speaking urine or constipation, skin problems and sleep disorders.

It is recommended that legal advice is sought by those who have been or are currently working as a welder or for those who have been in the area where the welding took place. It is necessary to study the records of employment history and medical records to assess whether there may be a valid claim against the manufacturers. It is advisable to contact a law firm welding injury as soon as possible because there is a limitation on certain issues.