Summary about Disease
Zinc fume fever is a short-lived illness caused by inhaling zinc oxide fumes, usually during welding or working with galvanized metals. It's characterized by flu-like symptoms and is a type of metal fume fever. The body develops a temporary tolerance with repeated exposure, but this tolerance is lost after a period away from the fumes, making subsequent exposure problematic.
Symptoms
Symptoms typically include:
Fever
Chills
Muscle aches
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Dry throat
Cough
Fatigue
Sweating
Causes
Zinc fume fever is caused by inhaling zinc oxide fumes. These fumes are created when zinc-containing metals, like galvanized steel, are heated to high temperatures, such as during welding, brazing, or cutting. The zinc vaporizes and then oxidizes in the air, forming zinc oxide particles.
Medicine Used
Treatment is primarily supportive and focuses on alleviating symptoms. There are no specific antiviral or antibiotic medications for zinc fume fever.
Pain relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce fever, headache, and muscle aches.
Anti-nausea medications: If nausea or vomiting is present, antiemetics may be prescribed.
Rest: Rest and fluids are essential for recovery.
In severe cases: Oxygen therapy or bronchodilators may be needed to assist breathing, particularly if there's underlying respiratory disease.
Is Communicable
No, zinc fume fever is not contagious or communicable. It is caused by inhaling fumes and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Preventive measures are crucial:
Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in work areas where zinc-containing metals are heated.
Respiratory protection: Wear appropriate respirators (e.g., particulate respirators) designed to filter out metal fumes.
Avoidance: Minimize exposure to fumes whenever possible.
Hygiene: Wash hands and face thoroughly after working with metals.
Engineering controls: Use local exhaust ventilation systems to capture fumes at the source.
How long does an outbreak last?
Symptoms of zinc fume fever usually appear within 3 to 10 hours after exposure and typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours. The duration is short-lived.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is primarily based on:
History of exposure: A history of recent exposure to zinc oxide fumes (e.g., welding galvanized steel).
Symptoms: Presence of characteristic symptoms like fever, chills, and muscle aches.
Physical examination: To rule out other possible causes.
Chest X-ray: May be performed to assess for lung involvement, but it is usually normal in zinc fume fever.
Blood tests: White blood cell count may be elevated, but this is not specific to zinc fume fever.
Timeline of Symptoms
Exposure: Inhalation of zinc oxide fumes.
2-12 hours post-exposure: Onset of symptoms such as metallic taste, dry throat, cough.
3-10 hours post-exposure: Development of fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, nausea, and fatigue.
24-48 hours post-exposure: Resolution of symptoms with supportive care.
Important Considerations
Tolerance: Repeated exposure can lead to temporary tolerance, but this is lost after a break from exposure. The subsequent exposure can then trigger a more pronounced reaction.
Differential diagnosis: Other conditions with similar symptoms (e.g., influenza, other metal fume fevers) should be considered.
Long-term effects: Zinc fume fever is typically an acute, self-limiting illness with no long-term health consequences.
Education: Workers need to be educated about the risks of zinc fume fever and the importance of preventive measures.