Ill. Man Says Welding Manufacturers Knew of Manganese Exposure Risks

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - An Illinois man recently sued The BOC Group, Lincoln Electric Co. and three other welding rod manufacturers, accusing the companies of failing to inform welders of the risks posed by exposure to manganese fumes. Joe A. Fisher v. Airco/The BOC Group Inc., et al. No. n/a (Ill. Cir. Ct., Madison Cty.).

Joe Fisher began working as a production welder in 1973. He worked at various job sites, including the Caterpillar plant in Peoria, Ill., and says he was exposed to manganese in welding fumes, which caused him to develop Parkinson's disease.

Fisher says he was unaware …