More on the Dangers of Welding Fumes
If you are a welder or former welder, you should be particularly concerned if you did most of your welding in your career indoors in tight and unventilated work spaces. Here are some of the symptoms that you should look for:
- tremors or shaking
- balance problems
- slowed movement (doctors call this “bradykinesia”)
- stiffness and difficulty moving
- problems in moving your face muscles (a “mask–like” face)
- memory loss and slurred speech.
Because some of these symptoms occur in other diseases, the best course to follow is to see your doctor immediately. Tell him or her that you are a welder or a former welder and share the information that you learned off of this web blog. Many family doctors are not familiar with manganism. A neurological exam by a specialist mostly likely will be required.
In summary, is this you?
Ø You display any of the above physical symptoms;
Ø You are a welder, a former welder or worked in very close proximity to welders for a long time;
Ø You did your welding in closed and/or unventilated spaces; and
Ø You have been welding for many years (or did welding for many years until you retired or left the job)
If the above description sounds like you, you should go to your doctor immediately and have a neurological exam.