Metal Fume Fever

Details

• Personal Author:
  Chalupka AN ; Chalupka S
• Description:
  Metal fume fever (MFF) is a benign, self-limited syndrome resulting from deposition of fine metal particulates in the alveoli. First reported more than 150 years ago in connection with brass foundry work, MFF is primarily associated with the inhalation of zinc oxide fumes produced when zinc-coated (galvanized) steel or zinc-containing alloys (brass) are heated to high temperatures. MFF has also been called copper fever, brazier's disease, welder's ague, foundry fever, brass chills, and spelter shakes. MFF is an occupational hazard for those employed in a wide range of metal-working occupations, although welders are most commonly affected. An estimated one in five welders has experienced MFF by age 30, primarily due to working with galvanized steel (Keyes, 2004). Cutting, metallizing, melting, forging, casting, soldering, and brazing are associated with metal fume exposure and MFF from exposure to zinc oxide fumes. Working in closed spaces with poor ventilation, speed of metal cutting and arc (welding) time, and increasing thickness of metal in cutting operations all increase workers' exposure to metal fumes. Zinc oxide dust is considered relatively benign, whereas zinc oxide fume is considered more hazardous. This is due, in part, to the size difference between the dust and the tiny (most < 1 microm) particles produced during welding. Fumes are produced when metal evaporates due to high heat and then condenses into small particles in the ambient air. It is unknown whether fresh formation of zinc oxide is important in causing MFF. Concern exists that zinc oxide nanoparticles being currently produced may, if inhaled, cause MFF. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Air Pollutants, Occupational Copper Dust Hot Temperature Metals Occupational Health Particulate Matter Safety Ventilation Welding Workplace

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• Keywords:
  Arc Welding Dust Exposure Dusts Fumes Hazards Heat Heat Exposure Metal Fumes Metallic Fumes Metal Workers Nanoparticles Nanotechnology Particulates Welders Welding Fumes Work Environment Workers Zinc Oxide

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• ISSN:
  0891-0162
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Massachusetts ; OSHA Region 1
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Volume:
  56
• Issue:
  5
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20062041
• Citation:
  AAOHN J 2008 May; 56(5):224
• Contact Point Address:
  Andrew N. Chalupka, Harvard Initiative for Global Health, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
• CAS Registry Number:
  Copper (CAS RN 7440-50-8) ; Zinc oxide (ZnO) (CAS RN 1314-13-2)
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2008
• Performing Organization:
  Harvard School of Public Health
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  20050701
• Source Full Name:
  AAOHN Journal - American Association of Occupational Health Nurses Journal
• End Date:
  20280630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:df78bc7385a821354f7bcee93823b7b788999b4de2188605b46b17c4448443b68967c27b99abbb21faf639e914ab151f4bb3ecb4f935198e70171c81c50e9117
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/225363/cdc_225363_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 60.63 KB ]