Metal fume fever

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.