Metal fume fever: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Metal fume fever | |||
| synonyms = Brass founders' ague, brass shakes, zinc shakes, galvie flu, Monday morning fever | |||
| field = [[Occupational medicine]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Fever]], [[chills]], [[nausea]], [[cough]], [[fatigue]], [[muscle aches]] | |||
| onset = 3–10 hours after exposure | |||
| duration = 24–48 hours | |||
| causes = Inhalation of [[metal oxide]] fumes, commonly [[zinc oxide]], [[magnesium oxide]], or [[copper oxide]] | |||
| risks = [[Welding]], [[smelting]], [[galvanizing]], [[metal cutting]] | |||
| diagnosis = Based on [[history]] of exposure and [[symptoms]] | |||
| differential = [[Influenza]], [[common cold]], [[pneumonia]] | |||
| prevention = Use of [[respiratory protection]], [[ventilation]] | |||
| treatment = [[Rest]], [[hydration]], [[analgesics]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good, symptoms resolve within 48 hours | |||
| frequency = Common in [[industrial]] settings | |||
}} | |||
'''Metal fume fever''', also known as '''brass founders' ague''', '''brass shakes''', '''zinc shakes''', '''galvie flu''', '''metal dust fever''', '''Welder's ague''', is a fever reaction to certain types of metal dust. It is most commonly associated with exposure to zinc oxide fumes that are produced when zinc or zinc-containing materials are heated to high temperatures, but can also be caused by exposure to other metal fumes, including copper, magnesium, and aluminium. | '''Metal fume fever''', also known as '''brass founders' ague''', '''brass shakes''', '''zinc shakes''', '''galvie flu''', '''metal dust fever''', '''Welder's ague''', is a fever reaction to certain types of metal dust. It is most commonly associated with exposure to zinc oxide fumes that are produced when zinc or zinc-containing materials are heated to high temperatures, but can also be caused by exposure to other metal fumes, including copper, magnesium, and aluminium. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of metal fume fever are nonspecific but can include fever, chills, nausea, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pains, lack of appetite, shortness of breath, pneumonia, chest pain, change in blood pressure, and in severe cases, fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). Symptoms of a more severe metal toxicity may also include a metallic taste in the mouth, dry and irritated throat, and coughing. | The symptoms of metal fume fever are nonspecific but can include fever, chills, nausea, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pains, lack of appetite, shortness of breath, pneumonia, chest pain, change in blood pressure, and in severe cases, fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). Symptoms of a more severe metal toxicity may also include a metallic taste in the mouth, dry and irritated throat, and coughing. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Metal fume fever is caused by inhaling fumes from metals heated to high temperatures. The most common cause is exposure to zinc oxide fumes. Other metals that can cause metal fume fever include copper, magnesium, and aluminium. | Metal fume fever is caused by inhaling fumes from metals heated to high temperatures. The most common cause is exposure to zinc oxide fumes. Other metals that can cause metal fume fever include copper, magnesium, and aluminium. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention of metal fume fever involves adequate ventilation and use of respiratory protective equipment when working with metals that can produce toxic fumes. | Prevention of metal fume fever involves adequate ventilation and use of respiratory protective equipment when working with metals that can produce toxic fumes. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for metal fume fever is primarily supportive. This can include rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required. | Treatment for metal fume fever is primarily supportive. This can include rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Occupational lung disease]] | * [[Occupational lung disease]] | ||
* [[Occupational safety and health]] | * [[Occupational safety and health]] | ||
* [[Zinc oxide]] | * [[Zinc oxide]] | ||
[[Category:Occupational diseases]] | [[Category:Occupational diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Toxic effects of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source]] | [[Category:Toxic effects of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source]] | ||
[[Category:Industrial hygiene]] | [[Category:Industrial hygiene]] | ||
[[Category:Safety]] | [[Category:Safety]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
{{dictionary-stub1}} | {{dictionary-stub1}} | ||
Latest revision as of 06:10, 4 April 2025
| Metal fume fever | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Brass founders' ague, brass shakes, zinc shakes, galvie flu, Monday morning fever |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Fever, chills, nausea, cough, fatigue, muscle aches |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | 3–10 hours after exposure |
| Duration | 24–48 hours |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Inhalation of metal oxide fumes, commonly zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, or copper oxide |
| Risks | Welding, smelting, galvanizing, metal cutting |
| Diagnosis | Based on history of exposure and symptoms |
| Differential diagnosis | Influenza, common cold, pneumonia |
| Prevention | Use of respiratory protection, ventilation |
| Treatment | Rest, hydration, analgesics |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good, symptoms resolve within 48 hours |
| Frequency | Common in industrial settings |
| Deaths | N/A |
Metal fume fever, also known as brass founders' ague, brass shakes, zinc shakes, galvie flu, metal dust fever, Welder's ague, is a fever reaction to certain types of metal dust. It is most commonly associated with exposure to zinc oxide fumes that are produced when zinc or zinc-containing materials are heated to high temperatures, but can also be caused by exposure to other metal fumes, including copper, magnesium, and aluminium.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of metal fume fever are nonspecific but can include fever, chills, nausea, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pains, lack of appetite, shortness of breath, pneumonia, chest pain, change in blood pressure, and in severe cases, fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). Symptoms of a more severe metal toxicity may also include a metallic taste in the mouth, dry and irritated throat, and coughing.
Causes[edit]
Metal fume fever is caused by inhaling fumes from metals heated to high temperatures. The most common cause is exposure to zinc oxide fumes. Other metals that can cause metal fume fever include copper, magnesium, and aluminium.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of metal fume fever involves adequate ventilation and use of respiratory protective equipment when working with metals that can produce toxic fumes.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for metal fume fever is primarily supportive. This can include rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
