February 2020
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Inside the Issue |
Welding and Manganese (Metal) Poisoning
Welding fumes are composed of metals
and most fumes contain a small percentage
of manganese (Mn). There is a concern
by workers, employers, and health
professionals about potential neurological
effects associated with exposure to manganese
in welding fumes. Manganese is
an essential nutrient. Manganese is a hard,
gray metal that is frequently used in the
production of steel. Workers may be
harmed from exposure to manganese
through the breathing of manganese
fumes or dusts.
A healthy person with normal liver and
kidney function can excrete excess dietary
manganese. Inhaled manganese is of
greater concern because it bypasses the
body’s normal defense mechanisms. This
can lead to manganese accumulation and
adverse health effects including damage
to the lungs, liver, kidney and central nervous
system. Male workers exposed to
manganese also have a higher risk of fertility
problems. Prolonged exposure to
high manganese concentrations (>1
mg/m3) in air may lead to a Parkinsonian syndrome known as “manganism.”
Chronic exposure to the manganese-containing
pesticide, maneb, is also reported
to cause Parkinson-like symptoms.
Parkinson-like symptoms may include
tremors, slowness of movement, muscle
rigidity, and poor balance.
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