Exposure

• Zinc Oxide: welding of galvanized metal or brass
• Magnesium: limited evidence that magnesium may cause metal fume fever
• Copper (see Copper, [[Copper]]): limited evidence that copper fumes may cause metal fume fever

---

Physiology

• Inhalational Exposure to Metal Fumes
  • Possibly cytokine-mediated

---

Diagnosis

• CXR/Chest CT: usually normal (if infiltrates are present, should suggest alternative diagnosis)
• CBC: leukocytosis may be seen
• ABG: hypoxemia is usually absent
• FOB-BAL: marked influx of neutrophils

---

Clinical

(onset of symptoms 4-8 hrs after acute inhalation of fumes or dust)

• Mild Dyspnea (see Dyspnea, [[Dyspnea]])
• Cough (see Cough, [[Cough]])
• Fever (see Fever, [[Fever]])
  • “Monday Morning Fever”: tachyphylaxis (blunted response) may occur after repeated exposures throughout the week, so symptoms are usually worse on first day of the work week
• Flu-Like Syndrome
  • Malaise
  • Chills
  • Myalgias

---

Treatment

• Self-Limited: usually spontaneously resolves within 12-48 hrs

---

References

• xxx