February 2020
 |
Inside the Issue |
Welding and Manganese (Metal) Poisoning
Welding fumes are composed of metals
and most fumes contain a small percentage
of manganese (Mn). There is a concern
by workers, employers, and health
professionals about potential neurological
effects associated with exposure to manganese
in welding fumes. Manganese is
an essential nutrient. Manganese is a hard,
gray metal that is frequently used in the
production of steel. Workers may be
harmed from exposure to manganese
through the breathing of manganese
fumes or dusts.
A healthy person with normal liver and
kidney function can excrete excess dietary
manganese. Inhaled manganese is of
greater concern because it bypasses the
body’s normal defense mechanisms. This
can lead to manganese accumulation and
adverse health effects including damage
to the lungs, liver, kidney and central nervous
system. Male workers exposed to
manganese also have a higher risk of fertility
problems. Prolonged exposure to
high manganese concentrations (>1
mg/m3) in air may lead to a Parkinsonian syndrome known as “manganism.”
Chronic exposure to the manganese-containing
pesticide, maneb, is also reported
to cause Parkinson-like symptoms.
Parkinson-like symptoms may include
tremors, slowness of movement, muscle
rigidity, and poor balance.
Latest Video
OSHA Safety Video
Daily News
Walter Surface Technologies Acquires Arcone
MONTREAL, QUÉBEC -- In its quest to become a global leader in the safety and productivity industry, Walter Surface Technologies is pleased to announce the acquisition of ArcOne, a provider of industrial safety products based in Taunton, Massachusetts.
NSC Releases Statement on Active Shooter Situation at Molson Coors Facility in Milwaukee
ITASCA, IL – In a statement released by The National Safety Council the organization has said they are closely monitoring information about an active shooter situation that arose Wednesday afternoon in Milwaukee, Wis. The Council’s thoughts go out to all impacted by the horrifying situation.
NIOSH Announces Results from AI Programmers Competition
WASHINGTON, DC -- Artificial intelligence (AI) is not just a thing of the future. Results from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) crowdsourcing competition for AI programmers are in, exploring ways to automatically read injury records and classify them in occupational safety and health surveillance systems.
OSHA to Hold Meeting of the Construction Advisory Committee Workgroups to Discuss Industry Hazards
WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Department of Labor will hold a teleconference meeting of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) Workgroups on Thursday, March 5, 2020.
AIHA Joins OSHA’s Ambassador Program
FALLS CHURCH, VA -- The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA®) announced it has joined the Ambassador Program of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
