Welding rod court case

A Madison County, Illinois jury recently awarded $1 million to a 65 year old former welder who claimed his exposure to manganese in welding fumes caused him to develop a central nervous system disorder that affects movement and coordination. Although the medical profession had known that exposure to toxic levels of manganese is a known health hazard since at least the 1830’s, this case was the first major legal victory for welders who have been battling rod makers and employers for decades over the issue of welding fume induced illnesses.