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Angioedema and urticaria as acute and late phase reactions to zinc fume exposure, with associated metal fume fever‐like symptoms
Author(s) -
Farrell Francis J.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.4700120308
Subject(s) - angioedema , medicine , zinc , inhalation , asymptomatic , occupational exposure , dermatology , immunology , surgery , metallurgy , anesthesia , environmental health , materials science
IgE‐mediated acute and late phase reactions associated with occupational metal fume exposure are rare compared with the more common metal fume fever. The latter is a common acute industrial disease caused by inhalation of oxides of metals, especially zinc. It is a flu‐like illness and is thought to be self‐limited. This article describes the first case, to my knowledge, of an immediate and a late phase reaction (urticaria and angioedema) to zinc fumes, associated with a metal fume fever‐like reaction. Hives and angioedema developed immediately and in a delayed fashion in a 34‐year‐old man after he had welded zinc at his job. There also was an associated metal fume fever‐like reaction. The relationship was proved by a challenge test done at home. The patient has been asymptomatic since using complete protective measures while welding zinc. Possible immunologic mechanisms are discussed.