{"id":353390,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:56","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/welding-rods.html"},"modified":"2024-02-08T13:03:55","modified_gmt":"2024-02-08T18:03:55","slug":"welding-rods","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/welding-rods.html","title":{"rendered":"Welding Rods: Injuries and Legal Information"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Welding Rods: Injuries and Legal Information<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Welding rods can expose workers to toxic fumes, including manganese, which has been linked to serious neurological conditions like Parkinson\u2019s disease. If your illness resulted from unsafe welding conditions or defective equipment, you may have a legal claim for damages.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Welding rods\u00a0are metal instruments that join two items during the welding process. The rods serve as filler material to join the two pieces. They carry an electrical current through the pieces, binding them. For example, workers may use welding rods to repair a metal door or hinge.<\/p>\n

When the intense heat of a welder’s torch burns into a metal surface, the welder and other people in the area risk exposure to toxic fumes. These fumes may have serious adverse health consequences. For example, high levels of manganese exposure<\/a> can cause brain damage. The fumes from this chemical can also enter our food and drinking water.<\/p>\n

Fumes from metallic elements used on welding rods can trigger debilitating neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Welding rod fumes can be fatal if they cause a long-term illness such as lung cancer, kidney disease, or acute metal poisoning.<\/p>\n

In addition to the chemical dangers posed by substances on the welding rods, fumes emitted while welding older, paint-covered metals can be hazardous.<\/p>\n

If your dangerous exposure to toxic welding fumes is due to the carelessness of another person or company, you may have a legal claim for damages. A personal injury attorney<\/a> in your area can assess your situation and recommend next steps to pursue compensation.<\/p>\n

Welding Rods and Parkinson’s Disease<\/h2>\n

One of the most severe injuries that can result from welding rods is early-onset Parkinson’s disease<\/a>. This develops when toxic levels of manganese fumes enter the environment. It’s hazardous when the welding process takes place in confined spaces.<\/p>\n

Manganese is a metallic element in almost all steel products and most welding materials. For years, experts have linked manganese poisoning to\u00a0Parkinson’s disease<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Parkinson’s is a disorder that impairs the motor system. People develop Parkinson’s when they lose dopamine-producing brain cells. This causes nerve cells to fire haphazardly. People with Parkinson’s disease are incapable of controlling specific physical movements. Parkinson’s is a progressive disorder, meaning that it usually gets worse over time.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease<\/h2>\n

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease usually appear gradually and tend to increase over time.<\/p>\n

Some common\u00a0symptoms of Parkinson’s disease<\/a>\u00a0include:<\/p>\n