• Shaking of the hands, arms, legs or feet
• Slow or delayed movements
• Difficulty with balance
• Rigid or stiffness in the limbs

2. What is Manganism?

Manganism is a disease that causes problems with movement and can also damages the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. It is caused by excessive exposure to manganese. Manganism can cause a loss of motor skills and coordination as well as mental and psychological problems.

3. How would I have been exposed to Manganese?

Everyone is exposed to small amounts in the air, water and food, but those likely to be exposed to excessive levels are individuals who work with Manganese on a regular basis, such as welders.

4. Is there a medical test to determine if I have been exposed?

Measurements of manganese can be taken in blood, urine, feces, and scalp to determine exposure of manganese by testing whether levels of the metal in your body tissues are greater than normal. However, these tests cannot predict how the levels in your tissues will affect your health.

5. What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system disorder that occurs when the brain fails to produce enough Dopamine, an important neurotransmitter. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by problems with movement and there is currently not a cure for Parkinson’s.

6. What is the relationship between Manganism and Parkinson's disease?

Manganism is known as a Parkinson’s Syndrome because it shares some of the same symptoms as Parkinson’s disease. Both Manganism and Parkinson’s Disease affect movement, balance, coordination and can cause psychological effects in some patients. Manganism is caused by excessive exposure to the chemical element Manganism, but the cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown.

7. How are welding fumes related to Parkinson's disease?

The problems caused by exposure to Manganese is known as Manganism, a disease whose symptoms are similar to those of Parkinson’s disease. In addition, a recent study found that a group of welders who had Parkinson’s disease developed symptoms approximately 15 years earlier than did other Parkinson’s patients. Further study is needed, but at this point, there appears to be a link between exposure to manganese and the development of Parkinson’s Disease.