Manganese is an element that can be found on the periodic table. It is used to form many important alloys. Manganese is also used in products for construction, machinery and transportation, as well as, in the steelmaking industry.

Manganese found in commercial welding rods and other welding consumables, such as some wire, is toxic. Exposure to manganese can cause Parkinson's Disease or symptoms very similar to that of Parkinson's Disease. The process of heating and cutting welding rods that contain manganese can release fumes and dust into the air. These fumes are invisible and may not have an odor. A prolonged exposure to the inhalation of high levels of manganese fumes can cause injury to the brain, which in the past has been called manganism. Industrial exposure to manganese is mostly seen among minors of manganese and welders.