Growing Number of Lawsuits Link Welding with Parkinson's Disease

By Danielle Briones

Published on July 23, 2005

The cases allege that welding equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and at least one insurance company suppressed information about the health dangers of welding for more than 70 years.

These suits are part of a growing number of welding fume lawsuits. In the past 10 years, more than 10,000 such suits have been filed in the U.S.

So far the lawsuits have led to one $1 million court judgment against various defendants and 12 settlements. The $1 million judgment is being appealed.

Parkinson's is a progressive disease that affects motor functions. It is characterized by tremors, muscle weakness, and a peculiar gait.

Currently, no existing medical studies conclusively determine that mild steel welding causes Parkinson's disease or related disorders.

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