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Metal fume fever: specific clues to making the diagnosis.

Blanc PD; Boushey HA

J Respir Dis 1992 Jan; 13(1):14

00233396

The pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of metal fume fever were addressed in this clinical discussion. Metal fume fever was defined as a self limited syndrome characterized by a flu like illness most commonly occurring 4 to 8 hours after inhalation of zinc-oxide (1314132) (ZO) fume or dust. The population at risk according to an estimate made in 1975 included approximately 50,000 workers in the United States involved in foundry operations, welding of galvanized materials, brazing or flame cutting of brass or galvanized metal, and galvanizing. The only route of exposure causing metal fume fever is inhalation; ingestion, skin contact or parenteral administration do not cause the signs or symptoms of metal fume fever in humans. The pathophysiology of metal fume fever has not been elucidated, however evidence suggests that there is an underlying inflammatory response. The inhalation of ZO fumes has been shown to cause peripheral leukocytosis and a pulmonary inflammatory response documented by bronchoalveolar lavage; however, conflicting data exist on the effects of ZO exposure on pulmonary function. It was recommended that the diagnosis of metal fume fever be considered in any patient with a flu like illness 4 to 24 hours after even a brief exposure to ZO. The authors note that leukocytosis is the only consistent abnormal laboratory finding that distinguishes metal fume fever from other illnesses. The treatment of metal fume fever has been supportive and nonspecific. The authors conclude that metal fume fever can be avoided with appropriate ventilation and other workplace controls.

NIOSH-Grant; Pulmonary-system-disorders; Metal-fume-fever; Lung-function; Clinical-diagnosis; Clinical-symptoms; Medical-treatment

Cardiovascular Research Inst University of California PO Box 0924 San Francisco, CA 94143-0924

JRDIFQ

1314-13-2

19920101

Journal Article

157960.00

Grant

1992

Grant-Number-K01-OH-00079

1

0194-259X

Pulmonary-system-disorders

The Journal of Respiratory Diseases

CA

University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California