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Metal fume fever occurs after heavy exposure to zinc oxide fume or dust, e.g., after welding or flame cutting of galvanized steel, high temperature zinc coating processes, or metal pouring in brass foundries. (Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.) After an episode, there is a temporary period of tolerance for a day or two. [Harber, p. 245] Copper and magnesium fume can also cause metal fume fever. [LaDou, p. 323] It is important to distinguish metal fume fever from cadmium pneumonitis. Metal fume fever resolves without treatment; cadmium pneumonitis may be life-threatening. One possibly useful criteria is the color of the fume. Zinc fume appears white, while cadmium fume is yellowish. [Rosenstock, p. 955] |
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