Don't make your doctor guess what's wrong with you if you think you may have welding rod toxicity. Tell them straight out that you're at risk, and give them all the other information that they need to make an accurate diagnosis. Even if it turns out to be something else, you will have eliminated one possibility.

While the industry claims welding rods are perfectly safe, the National Electrical Manufacturer's Association's Arc Welding Section has made it clear that they know manganese fumes are toxic. You and your legal team should be sure to take advantage of this information in your case.

While manganism -- the result of welding rod toxicity -- is often considered a form of Parkinson's disease, it doesn't respond to many of the drugs used to treat Parkinson's. If this happens to you and you're been a welder at any time, have your doctors test you for manganism immediately. You may have an actionable cases against a manufacturer or former employer.