Welding Fumes

Motley Rice pursues claims on behalf of occupational welders and other workers who have been injured by exposure to high concentrations of welding fumes. Occupational exposure to welding fumes is linked to the natural chemical element manganese, a main component of several types of welding rods that strengthens the metal as it is fused in the welding process.

The point of exposure occurs when the workers breathe the fumes released in the air as the rods are melted down. Workers exposed to excessive amounts of welding fumes show high levels of manganese or indications of manganese poisoning, which can lead to a disease called manganism.

Manganism Symptoms

Manganism is a condition similar to Parkinson's disease that has potentially incapacitating physical and mental symptoms, including:

• impaired hand-eye coordination and motor skills
• difficulty with speech or facial expressions
• tremors
• overall weakness and lethargy

Also known as welder's disease, manganism affects the central nervous system.

If you or someone you know has experienced the symptoms of manganism or manganese exposure, contact attorney John Herrick by email or call +1 800.768.4026. 

Railroad workers have unique rights and benefits to pursue claims and recoupment for occupational injuries, including welding fume exposure, with the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). However, in some jurisdictions, the law does not provide workers harmed by welding fumes with the right to sue their employers beyond worker's compensation statutes.