Fatal Chemical Pneumonitis due to Cadmium Fumes

Abstract

Acute exposure to high concentrations of cadmium fumes may cause acute chemical pneumonitis with a possibly fatal outcome. The etiologic diagnosis of acute cadmium intoxication from inhaled fumes may be difficult and can be confused with other forms of acute respiratory failure. We report on a case of a fit 53 year-old man who was exposed to cadmium fumes after flame-cutting an alloy containing around 10% of cadmium for a period of 60-75 minutes. He developed severe chemical pneumonitis and died 19 days after exposure.

A novel cause for bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia: exposure to paint aerosols in textile workshops

“…The exact reactive chemical species and mechanism(s) responsible for the disease are unclear. The precise sequence of events leading to organizing pneumonia are unclear as well, in particular whether organizing pneumonia was a de novo process, or resulted from the late organization of pulmonary oedema, as described following exposure to Cl 2 , NO 2 , or cadmium fumes [17,19,29], is unknown. The lack of response to steroids in some cases, as opposed to classic bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia, is disturbing as well.…”

“…Examples of such agents include chlorine, phosgene, oxides of nitrogen, sulphur dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, fumes from welding or of heated metals and fire smoke [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. Immediately upon, or within hours after, exposure, the inhalation of gases or fumes can lead to chest discomfort with or without pulmonary oedema [9,13].…”

Ameliorating Effect of Vitamin-E Against Cadmium (Cd) Induced Brain Oxidative Damage in Albino Rats.

“…Acute inhalation of sufficient exposure of cadmium can cause both a chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema from the toxic effect to the alveolar epithelium and endothelium (Newman et al, 1996). Within 24h of exposure, workers develop shortness of breath, fever, and fatigue, which can progress to pulmonary edema and death (Fernandez, 1996). Chronic exposure to cadmium dusts and fumes has been suspected as a cause of emphysema, obstructive lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer.…”

The Role of Chelation in the Treatment of Other Metal Poisonings

“…It typically follows pulmonary occupational exposure and is generally recognized on clinical grounds (with subsequent environmental or biological confirmation). Acute chemical pneumonitis, pulmonary edema, and failure of the kidneys, liver, and other organs are reported [62][63][64][65]. Acute oral exposure would precipitate gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, emesis, diarrhea, and abdominal pain) [66].…”