Prevalence of symptoms* describing metal fume fever (n=351)
| n | % | 95% CI | |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Symptoms were considered present if they occurred at the beginning of the working week, 3–10 hours after exposure to welding fumes as reported by the welders. | |||
| Flu-like symptoms | |||
| Fever | 46 | 13.1 | 11.1 to 17.4 |
| Feelings of “flu” | 51 | 14.5 | 12.9 to 19.5 |
| General malaise | 37 | 10.5 | 7.5 to 13.0 |
| Chills | 52 | 14.8 | 12.9 to 19.5 |
| Throat symptom | |||
| Dry cough | 107 | 30.5 | 26.0 to 34.2 |
| Taste symptom | |||
| Metallic taste | 13 | 3.7 | 2.3 to 5.9 |
| Shortness of breath | 156 | 44.4 | 39.6 to 48.5 |