NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search
Metal fume fever: a review of the literature and cases reported to the Louisiana Poison Control Center.
Authors
Ahsan SA; Lackovic M; Katner A; Palermo C
Source
J La State Med Soc 2009 Nov-Dec; 161(6):348-351
NIOSHTIC No.
20036504
Abstract
Metal fume fever (MFF) is an important occupational-related illness resulting from inhalation of volatile metal oxides, especially zinc, that are produced during welding or cutting of metal materials. Onset of MFF is rapid, occurring within a few hours after inhalation of the fumes. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, dyspnea, headache, myalgia, and malaise. Symptoms are self-limiting and typically resolve within 24 hours with a subsequent short-lived tolerance to zinc oxide fumes that disappears after one to two days of avoidance. In this report, we present an overview of MFF's history, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, regulatory guidelines, and prevention recommendations. This review is followed by a description of MFF cases reported by the Louisiana Poison Control Center to the Louisiana Office of Public Health's Section of Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology during a two-year period.
Keywords
Air-quality-monitoring; Exposure-assessment; Exposure-levels; Exposure-methods; Fumes; Inhalation-studies; Metal-fume-fever; Metal-fumes; Metal-industry-workers; Metal-poisoning; Occupational-exposure; Occupational-health; Occupational-respiratory-disease; Standards; Toxic-gases
CODEN
JLSMAW
CAS No.
1314-13-2
Publication Date
20091101
Document Type
Journal Article
Funding Type
Cooperative Agreement
Fiscal Year
2010
Identifying No.
Cooperative-Agreement-Number-U60-OH-008470
Issue of Publication
6
ISSN
0024-6921
Priority Area
Services; Wholesale and Retail Trade
Source Name
The Journal of the Louisiana State Medical Society
State
LA
Performing Organization
Louisiana State Office of Public Health
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Education and Information Division