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- $Unique_ID{BRK02020}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Detecting "Metal Fume Fever"}
- $Subject{Metal Fume fumes Fever welding metallic oxide headache cough fevers
- muscle pains nausea smelting soldering electroplating metal galvanizing
- allergic responses allergic response allergic reaction allergic reactions
- allergy allergies occupational hazards toxic fumes}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
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- Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Detecting "Metal Fume Fever"
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- QUESTION: Do you have any information about a flu disease that comes from
- welding? My husband has a mysterious disease that his doctor said came from
- the fumes he had breathed in during work. What can you tell me about this?
- We have never heard about anything like it before.
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-
- ANSWER: It is probable that your husband is affected by the fumes that are
- created during the welding process. Metallic oxide particles are generated
- which are then inhaled. Sometime later a flu-like reaction is seen that
- includes headache, cough, fever, muscle pains, and even nausea. It has been
- named "Metal Fume Fever" and can also be seen in people who work in any
- business where such fumes are produced, for example smelting, soldering,
- electroplating and metal galvanizing. The syndrome may result from an
- allergic response, and the symptoms usually pass quickly. It is rare that any
- serious complications develop, and the whole thing is usually over in from 12
- to 24 hours. The secret to diagnosing this "mysterious" disease is a careful
- history that requests information about the patient's occupation, and an
- alert physician.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-