special subjects
Metal Fume Fever and Polymer Fume Fever
Prevention
Workplace exposure should be assessed by measuring the concentration of ambient zinc and other metal fumes (eg, chrome, nickel,copper,manganese) or concentration of fluorocarbon polymer decomposition products at different locations in the workplace. Workers with metal fume fever should be cautioned to minimize exposure to zinc fumes by using personal protective equipment (PPE). Contacting the employer to implement other Worker Screening and Surveillance (elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls) is indicated if PPE is inadequate to control exposure or if multiple workers are affected. 