Glick Law Firm, P.A.

The electrodes, fillers and metals used in welding produce fumes that can create hazardous situations for welders when they are not properly addressed in the workplace. Safety considerations have long been crucial in preventing adverse effects from welding.

Correct ventilation and air filtration are absolutely necessary in welding, and there are a variety of products available to enhance and ensure worker safety. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is called for when working with metals and materials that pose the greatest hazards to worker health. Some materials require extra precautions to ensure that workers are not exposed to potentially hazardous conditions.

Welding smoke is a mixture of very fine particles and gases that includes substances such as chromium, nickel, arsenic, asbestos, silica, cadmium, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, cobalt, copper and selenium. These substances are derived from a combination of the base metal, filler metals and welding rods, and from rod coverings.

Welding should not be attempted on parts filled with polyurethane foam, due to the generation of toxic gases caused by the thermal breakdown of the polyurethane foam. However, if repair welding is absolutely necessary, the foam must be removed from the heat-affected area, including all residue, prior to welding so that the torch is not touching any of the polyurethane foam.

When welding any type of material, you should know the toxicity of the materials involved in each welding job and verify that there is adequate ventilation to prevent exposure to metal fumes to the welder and nearby workers.

Welding and Parkinson's Disease

Research shows that long-term and heavy exposure to welding fumes can result in the early development of Parkinson's Disease. Occupational exposure to manganese fumes emitted when filler materials are burned during welding has been related to the development of early Parkinson's Disease in some welders. Manganese is a known risk factor for Parkinson's and welding rods contain manganese, which is vaporized during the welding process.

Parkinson's is caused by the progressive destruction of nerve cells that control muscle movement. In some people, the disease progresses quickly; in others, it does not. Although some people become severely disabled, others experience only minor motor disruptions. Tremor is the major symptom for some patients, while for others, tremor is only a minor complaint, and different symptoms are more troublesome. Some other symptoms of PD include depression, memory loss, slowed thinking, difficulty swallowing and chewing, speech changes, urinary problems and constipation, sleep problems, and excessive sweating.

Even the simplest welding project can lead to fumes like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and ozone, all of which can be hazardous. Using proper ventilation and respiratory protection is key in helping to prevent the effects of the welding rod fumes.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to welding rod fumes and has suffered any of the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease in Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale or West Palm Beach, Florida, please contact the Glick Law Firm, P.A. today to schedule your free initial consultation.