NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Metal fume fever.

Authors
Gordon T; Fine JM
Source
Occup Med: State of the Art Rev 1993 Jul; 8(3):504-517
Link
NIOSHTIC No.
20026015
Abstract
Metal fume fever is an acute self-limited illness induced most commonly by inhalation of zinc oxide fumes. The affected individual characteristically experiences the rapid onset of intense shaking chills, fever, and body aches a few hours after exposure, and symptoms dissipate spontaneously. While the occurrence of metal fume fever appears to be widespread and the current TLV/PEL of 5 mg/m3 and STEL of 10 mg/m3 may not be fully protective, no chronic health sequelae have been documented to date. Nonetheless, as any worker who has experienced a full-blown case will likely testify, metal fume fever remains one of the more noxious short-term illnesses contracted in the workplace, and its prevention deserves serious attention.
Keywords
Fumes; Metal-fumes; Metallic-fumes; Respiratory-infections; Respiratory-system-disorders; Respiratory-irritants; Exposure-levels
Contact
Terry Gordon, PhD, Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Medical Center, Long Meadow Road, Tuxedo, NY 10987
CODEN
SAOME4
Publication Date
19930701
Document Type
Journal Article
Editors
Nethercott JR
Fiscal Year
1993
ISBN No.
9781560531470
Issue of Publication
3
ISSN
0885-114X
Source Name
Occupational Medicine: State of the Art Reviews. Occupational Skin Disease
State
NY
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division