Since 1937, manganese has been medically recognized as toxic to the human central nervous system.  Toxicity of manganese causes disabling neurological damage known as manganese poisoning.  People who suffer from manganese poisoning experience debilitating neurological problems that affect their ability to think, talk, eat, move, sleep, and work.

Persons exposed to welding fumes absorb them into their body primarily through inhalation.  Manganese exposure for a period as short as 49 days can cause manganese poisoning and neurological damage.  Exposure to the welding fumes may cause: cramps in arms or legs, increased tiredness, insomnia, headaches, memory loss, weakness in arms and legs, loss of balance, overall weakness, and many other symptoms.  These symptoms are oftentimes misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease.

We believe that welders were uninformed of the dangerous nature of welding fumes, manganese, and the neurological injuries that could occur because of exposure to welding fumes.  Furthermore, we believe if welders had adequately been informed of the hazards of exposure to welding fumes, they would not have willingly exposed themselves to welding fumes in workplaces without necessary precautionary measures.

Possible defendants include manufacturers, sellers, and suppliers of welding products.

Lastly, through industry and medical studies, we believe that the probable Defendants knew the health hazards inherent in the welding products they were selling, and we believe the Defendants concealed that information from the Welders to avoid the costs of safety precautions, and/or avoid litigation by people injured by welding fumes.