The hazardous metals that first come to mind related to welding and cutting are lead, chromium, zinc and perhaps beryllium. Manganese doesn’t have the same recognition in terms of risk in the general population.
Welding fumes are composed of metals and most fumes contain a small percentage of manganese. There is a concern by workers, employers, and health professionals about potential neurological effects associated with exposure to manganese in welding fumes. NIOSH has been conducting research and reviewing the published scientific literature to assess this problem.
