Parkinson's and farriers

[ironfree]

I just spent Thanksgiving with my uncle and was alarmed by the progression of his Parkinsons. At the age of 60, he had to retire. He had been a farrier from a young age. He has gone from traveling the world doing his job to being barely able to speak or walk.

I had heard that there was a possible connection between this disease and exposure to welding fumes. He was not willing to pursue this, but it piqued my interest and I thought this would be one of the best places to ask.

There is another highly thought of farrier in my area that is in the same shape. I know that he has been a farrier for a long time also, so it really has made me wonder.

Anyone else heard of this?

Thanks,

Paige Poss

[Phil Armitage]

I had heard that once and find it to be very illogical. What is the percentage of farriers with parkinson's? How many farriers weld? I have known a lot of professional welders in my life and not one of them with parkinson's.

[ironfree]

That is exactly why I am asking here. You guys know more than I do about metal work.

Paige Poss

[Bill Adams]

A Farrier would'nt be exposed to the same type of fumes as a welder, and is usualy in a much better ventalated area, and dose much less welding per week/month than a production welder.
I feel safe now, except for the twenty years of welding fourty/ fifty hours a week. Thankfuly I smoked cigs for twenty three years to make myself immune to the effects of welding fumes.
Do give our best to your Uncle, will pray for him and your family.

[Ray_Knightley]

My old boss in England ,got parkinsons late in life ,he sure was a farrier for over 50 years ,but i do not think he did much welding ....

In an interview(BBC) strange enough ,,it was said people who are afraid of contracting parkinsons where more pron to getting the illness ...not sure of how they find that out ,but it shows illness has alot to do with some part of the mind ...

ray.

[DeniseMc]

I think exposure to pesticides would pose more of a risk for developing Parkinson's; but it's most likely a number of variables in combination that may pose the risks. Some pesticides such as rotenone, which is a plant derived pesticide and approved for use in organic gardening, has been linked to Parkinsons symptoms. Some of the older pesticides which have been banned from use in the US may have posed a risk, with symptoms not exhibited for years. Sorry about your uncle.
Denise