Welders and those who work in their vicinity can be exposed to the toxic fumes that emanate during the welding process. Welding rod fumes often contain manganese, which is toxic to the body at high levels. Manganese poisoning can affect specific parts of the brain and central nervous system, resulting in symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s disease. This permanent condition is known as manganism.

Some symptoms include:

• Poor coordination
• Lack of muscle control
• Shuffling gait
• Lack of facial expression
• Uncontrolled tremor

If you know someone who displays these symptoms and previously worked as a welder or in an industrial setting, he or she may be suffering from the effects of manganese toxicity. If your loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but is not responding to medications like levodopa or Sinemet, he or she may actually have manganism.