Metal fever

Although the toxicity of metallic copper is very low, many copper(II) salts may have varying degrees of toxicity. Inhalation of dusts, mists or fumes of the metal can cause nasal perforation, cough, dry throat, muscle ache, chills and metal fever. Copper in trace amounts is a nutritional requirement, used metaholically in plant and animal enzymes and other biological molecules. It can be either a toxicant or a nutrient within a concentration that may be in the same order of magnitude. 

Inhalation of magnesium dust can produce irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes. Magnesium may react with water in the bronchial passage to form magnesium hydroxide, which is caustic and may cause adverse effects on lungs. The fumes can cause metal fever. 

The most significant occupational exposures to zinc would occur during the smelting and refining of zinc ore. The standards for occupational exposure have been estabUshed at a level to prevent the onset of metal fume fever. This temporary condition is caused by excessive exposure to freshly formed fumes of zinc oxide and results in flulike symptoms of fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting. 

The toxic symptoms from inhalation of nickel carbonyl are beUeved to be caused by both nickel metal and carbon monoxide. In many acute cases the symptoms ate headache, di22iQess, nausea, vomiting, fever, and difficulty in breathing. If exposure is continued, unconsciousness follows with subsequent damage to vital organs and death. Iron pentacarbonyl produces symptoms similar to nickel carbonyl but is considered less toxic than nickel carbonyl. 

Inhalation of dusts can cause metal fume fever (79,80), and ulceration or perforation of the nasal septum. Mild discomfort has been noted with workplace concentrations as low as 0.08 mg/m. The workplace standard (TLV) for copper dusts or mist is 1 mg/m and 0.2 mg/m for copper fume (81). 

METAL FUME FEVER Nou-speeifie, self-limiting illness resembling an attaek of influenza eaused mainly by exposure to fumes of zine, eopper, or magnesium and less frequently due to exposure to other metal fumes. Exposures oeeur from molten metals, e.g. in smelting, galvanizing, welding. 

Metal fume fever A fever suffered by workers who inhale metal fumes from a process. 

Although Mg is generally considered non-toxic, the inhalation of fumes of freshly sublimed Mg oxide may cause metal fume fever. There is no evidence that Mg produces, true systemic poisoning. Particles of metallic Mg or Mg alloy which perforate the skin of gain entry thru cuts and scratched rilay produce a severe local lesion characterized by the evolution of gas and acute inflammatory reaction, frequently with necrosis. The condition Has been called a chemical gas gangrene . Gaseous blebs may develop within 24 hrs of the injury. The lesion is very slow to heal (Ref 23)... 

Rash, swelling of salivary glands, "iodism (metallic taste, burning mouth and throat, sore teeth and gums, symptoms of a head cold, diarrhea, nausea), allergic reactions (fever, joint pains, swelling of parts of face and body)... 

Stress Heat-fever Heavy metals Oxidant injury Oxidative uncouplers Ischemia... 

Metal fume fever is the name given to a curious illness that can occur when some of these fumes are inhaled. It is also known as brass chills, foundry ague, or foundry shakes, among other names. The condition can occur in brass foundries, during operations in the galvanizing industry, during welding, or in processes where molten metals, particularly zinc, are used. The cause is not really understood, but the condition is well-... 

Dust can be stirred up by treading or other movement and can permeate the atmosphere and be inhaled. The dust that one can see can give rise to irritation and even dermatitis, but the dust that is inhaled can accumulate in the lungs and elsewhere and give rise to a variety of diseases from lead poisoning to metal fume fever. 

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