One of the most serious and long-lasting injuries that can be caused by welding rods is the early onset of Parkinson's disease, mainly due to the presence of toxic levels of manganese in the fumes that emanate during the weld process. Manganese, a metallic element that is found in almost all forms of steel and most welding materials, has been linked to the development of Parkinson's disease for decades.

Parkinson's is a disorder that impairs the motor system -- the body's movement and physical function. In chemical and physiological terms, Parkinson's is caused by the loss of brain cells that produce a chemical messenger called dopamine, causing nerve cells to fire haphazardly and leaving a person incapable of controlling certain physical movements. Parkinson's is a progressive disorder, meaning that it usually gets worse over time.

Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

The symptoms of Parkinson's disease usually appear gradually, and tend to increase with severity as the condition progresses. Some common symptoms of Parkinson's disease include:

• Trembling and tremors in the face, hands, arms, and legs;
• Stiffness in the arms and legs;
• Abnormal slowness in body movement;
• Problems with coordination, balance, and walking;
• Difficulty talking clearly, and without slurring or hesitation;
• Dementia and depression

Treatment for Parkinson's Disease

While no cure for Parkinson's disease exists, a number of medications are currently available to provide patients with relief from the symptoms of the disease. The most common type of medication is levodopa, usually sold under the brand name Sinemet. Certain types of muscle exercises and physical therapy have also proven to be somewhat effective in treating the symptoms of Parkinson's. Brain surgery, though a relatively rare treatment option, has been shown to alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's, and even slow progression of the disease in some cases. Lastly, the controversial area of stem cell research remains a potential source for future treatment of Parkinson's through the replacement of lost nerve cells.