Zinc fever in a painter and varnisher: a case report

Background Zinc fever is well described in medical literature, particularly in workers after handling zinc-containing materials at high temperatures e.g., in the welding of hot-dip galvanized steel sheets. It is not known whether zinc fever also occurs at low temperatures. Case presentation We prese...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of medical case reports Vol. 18; no. 1; pp. 331 - 5
Main Authors Belting, Kerstin, Eisenhawer, Christian, Merget, Rolf, Brüning, Thomas, Monsé, Christian
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published London BioMed Central Ltd 10.07.2024
BioMed Central
BMC
Subjects
Case Report
Causes of
Exposure to zinc oxide
Fever
Health aspects
Hyperthermia
Low temperature
Occupational accidents
Occupational diseases
Painter
Varnisher
Zinc fever
Zinc oxide
Germany
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Summary:Background Zinc fever is well described in medical literature, particularly in workers after handling zinc-containing materials at high temperatures e.g., in the welding of hot-dip galvanized steel sheets. It is not known whether zinc fever also occurs at low temperatures. Case presentation We present the case of a 33-year-old Caucasian atopic painter and varnisher with work-related dyspnea, sweating, as well as multiple occurrences of fever. He was sent to Institute for Prevention and Occupational medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA) for the evaluation of isocyanate asthma, but an inhalative challenge with hexamethylene diisocyanate was negative. Since symptoms were closely related to the use of zinc coatings at room temperature without adequate protective measures, the diagnosis of zinc fever was made. After exposure cessation the worker immediately became symptom-free. The work as painter and varnisher may be associated with various exposures to hazardous substances. Besides solvents, epoxy compounds and isocyanates, which can cause obstructive respiratory diseases; additionally, zinc-containing agents should be considered as health hazards. Conclusions This case demonstrates that zinc fever may occur also after application of zinc coatings by spray painting at low temperatures. Keywords: Low temperature, Exposure to zinc oxide, Occupational accidents, Painter, Zinc fever, Varnisher, Painter, Aerosol
Bibliography:ObjectType-Case Study-2
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ISSN:1752-1947
1752-1947
DOI:10.1186/s13256-024-04651-8