Manganese is a toxic material commonly used in the steel making and welding industry. Workers get exposed to odorless manganese vapors when metals are heated. If you have been exposed to manganese, scientists have found that this may cause symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, awkward gait, memory loss and loss of balance. Scientists have recently found that these gases are dangerous and welders should take proper precautions to avoid exposure. The risks associated with welding have recently been documented by scientists at Washington University Medical School, but manganese's toxicity has been known for over a hundred years. Since fumes are created with all welding operations, welders should wear protection even during the smallest welding job.

Heavy manganese exposure over years will take its toll on a part of the brain called the basal ganglia. This will impact someone's balance and movement skills and cause symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. In some instances, the irreversible damage manganism causes to the brain can contribute to the mental and physical deterioration of the patient. If you believe you have this condition, you should stop your exposure immediately because further exposure will make your condition worse.

Manganese is related to Parkinson's disease and other disorders of the nervous system. This disease was discovered 1817 during the industrial revolution when many workers were heavily exposed to toxic chemicals. Parkinson's generally strikes very old people, but sometimes toxic exposure may cause younger people to show symptoms of the disease.

Symptoms of Manganese Poisoning

• shakiness
• emotional changes
• distorted facial expression
• loss of balance
• joint pain
• stiffness in muscles

Questions to ask to see if you qualify:

1) Have you regularly worked as a welder, a steelworker or a manganese miner?

2) Have you been told you Parkinson's Disease or a movement disorder?

3) Have the symptoms of your disorder gotten worse over the last few years?

4) Were you under the age of 60 when you first experiencing problems with movement or speech?

If you answer "yes" to these questions, then you may have a manganese condition and you and your family may qualify for financial help to compensate you for a lifetime of treatment costs and pain and suffering. While there currently is no known cure for the effects of manganese poisoning, many treatments available. Speech therapists and occupational therapists may help treat the symptoms of the disease.

Because manganese companies are marketing a dangerous product, they have liability, similar to how Ford had liability for selling a dangerous car like the Pinto. This means that manganese victims and their families have the right to file a claim for compensation for these illnesses. Filing a claim will send a signal to the pocketbook of the manganese companies and help make sure more workers aren't poisoned. There are half a million welders in the US and manganese poisoning is a massive problem. Over a thousand people poisoned by manganese have already filed claims.

Class-Action-Lawsuits.com is a service to help individual victims and their families find updated information and help through our network of class action attorneys. If you qualify, help may just be a click away.

If you believe you have been wronged, take action to protect your rights.

Fill out this form or call 1.800.387.4262 if you need additional information or want to discuss a potential claim with an attorney. All inquiries are kept strictly confidential.

If the inquiry is accepted for further review, you will receive a prompt response (usually the same day or by the next business day). Local counsel may be used for this matter.