Cadmium Chemical Pneumonitis

Abstract

Metal fume exposures are common to a number of trades and may result in the self-limited acute toxic syndrome of metal fume fever. Acute inhalational cadmium toxicity may mimic metal fume fever on initial presentation, but may have a markedly different clinical course. We report a case of cadmium-induced chemical pneumonitis in a welder who, over four years, has shown persistent pulmonary function abnormalities. The potential for acute cadmium toxicity needs to be considered in any patient suspected of having metal fume fever.