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Toxic Responses of the Lung
Published in Stephen K. Hall, Joana Chakraborty, Randall J. Ruch, Chemical Exposure and Toxic Responses, 2020
Metal fume fever is a common occupational disease in environments where workers are exposed to the fumes of certain metals, as in foundries, rolling mills, welding operations, galvanizing operations, and molten metal processing. It is characterized by a feverish reaction to the inhalation of finely divided particles of metallic oxides. While zinc, copper, and magnesium are the chief offenders, cadmium, iron, manganese, nickel, selenium, tin, and antimony are responsible in some instances. The disease has an acute onset, and although there is no chronic form of metal fume fever, repeated episodes occur. The symptoms may develop in a new worker on his first day on the job and also in experienced workers on reporting to work after a weekend break, hence the popular term of “Monday morning fever.” Metal fume fever symptoms include a thirst and a metallic taste sensation. There is usually a time lag of several hours between exposure and the onset of symptoms. Later, the worker has rigors, high fever, muscular aches and pains, headache, and a generalized feeling of weakness. There may be nausea, vomiting and mental disturbances, usually marked by agitation. The worker sweats profusely, and the condition is often mistaken for influenza. The diagnosis of metal fume fever is dependent upon the worker’s occupational history. There is no recognized treatment of the disease.
Toxicology
Published in W. David Yates, Safety Professional’s Reference and Study Guide, 2020
The primary methods of entry into the body for occupational copper exposure are through inhalation or absorption through the eyes or skin. Short-term exposure to copper fumes causes irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and a flu-like illness called metal fume fever can result. Metal fume fever symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, chills, dry throat, cough, and weakness. It may also include a metallic or sweet taste in the mouth of the affected employee. Long-term exposure to copper fumes owing to repeated exposure may cause the skin and hair to change color.9
Toxicology
Published in Martin B., S.Z., of Industrial Hygiene, 2018
Metal fume fever is a common occupational disease in environments where workers are exposed to the fumes of certain metals, as in foundries, rolling mills, welding operations, galvanizing operations, and molten metal processing. It is characterized by a feverish reaction to the inhalation of finely divided particles of metallic oxides. While zinc, copper, and magnesium are the chief offenders, cadmium, iron, manganese, nickel, selenium, tin, and antimony are responsible in some instances. The disease has an acute onset, and although there is no chronic form of metal fume fever, repeated episodes occur. The symptoms may develop in a new worker on his first day on the job and also in experienced workers on reporting to work after a weekend break, hence the popular term of “Monday morning fever.” Metal fume fever symptoms include thirst and a metallic taste sensation. There is usually a time lag of several hours between exposure and the onset of symptoms. Later, the worker has rigors, high fever, muscular aches and pains, headache, and a generalized feeling of weakness. There may be nausea, vomiting, and mental disturbances, usually marked by agitation. The worker sweats profusely, and the condition is often mistaken for influenza. The diagnosis of metal fume fever is dependent upon the worker’s occuplational history. There is no recognized treatment of the disease.
Compositional variations in metal nanoparticle components of welding fumes impact lung epithelial cell toxicity
Published in Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, 2023
Li Xia, Jae Hong Park, Katelyn Biggs, Chang Geun Lee, Li Liao, Jonathan H. Shannahan
Inhalation of welding fumes may adversely influence human health with the most common acute effect being Metal Fume Fever with symptoms consisting of low-level fever, fatigue, nausea, sore throat, body aches, and pains (McMillan 1986). Chronic effects attributed to exposure to welding fumes include pulmonary injury, heart failure, digestive disorders, kidney damage, neuroendocrine toxicity and various types of cancer (Antonini et al. 2004, 2007; Kazi et al. 2021; Li et al. 2015; Sjogren et al. 1994). Previous epidemiology investigations determined the association between welding fume exposure and pulmonary injuries, such as asthma, bronchitis, lung dysfunction, and cancer (Brouwer, Gijsbers, and Lurvink 2004; Palmer et al. 2009; Torén et al. 2011; Wake, Mark, and Northage 2002). Further, short-term respiratory function changes were observed in welders who did not use ventilation systems during operation (Akbar-Khanzadeh 1993).
Comprehensive characterization of firing byproducts generated from small arms firing of lead-free frangible ammunition
Published in Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 2022
Ryan McNeilly, Jacob Kirsh, John Hatch, Ariel Parker, Jerimiah Jackson, Steven Fisher, John Kelly, Christin Duran
Cu and Zn are major metallic components particularly of the M4 emissions, and thus are likely significant contributors to symptoms reported by firing range instructors. Other occupational environments with high levels of Cu and some Zn in aerosolized particles have been found to cause Metal Fume Fever in workers, consisting of symptoms such as fever, nausea, and sweet metallic taste (Armstrong et al. 1983). In cellular in vitro exposures to metallic nanoparticles such as CuO or ZnO, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation is often an endpoint measured to indicate levels of oxidative stress induced by nanoparticulate. Bergström et al. (2015) collected rifle and pistol emissions directly from a firing chamber into an impinger and dosed epithelial cells with the firearm emissions solution. The emissions from the LFF had significant amounts of Cu and Zn, and the emissions, particularly for the pistol, induced oxidative stress, measured by ROS production. ROS includes free radicals (O2-, HO), which are highly reactive with almost any biological molecule (Brieger et al. 2012; Lushchak 2014). In humans, an imbalance of ROS can lead to adverse health effects; specifically, surplus of ROS is linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disease (Brieger et al. 2012). On a cellular level, ROS can be highly destructive to various cellular components such as lipids, DNA, and proteins (Dröge 2002).
Occupational survey of airborne metal exposures to welders, metalworkers, and bystanders in small fabrication shops
Published in Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 2019
Allison L. Insley, Joshua R. Maskrey, Laura A. Hallett, Rachel C.D. Reid, Erin S. Hynds, Christopher Winter, Julie M. Panko
Metalworking techniques, including welding, cutting, brazing, soldering, and grinding, are widely used in construction, manufacturing, and industrial processes. Each of these techniques generates a mixture of welding fume and/or metal particulate with varying composition and particle size. The composition and intensity of welding fume in particular has been a focus of research, as it has been linked to health effects in welders, including eye, nose, and throat irritation; lung, kidney, and nervous system damage; and metal fume fever.[1,2]