Inhalation of inorganic tin compounds (tin oxide, other) may be acute or chronic.
Most exposures to inorganic tin compounds is occupational.
A mild, acute inhalation exposure results in irritation of the respiratory tract.
A severe acute inhalation results in metal fume fever with:
(1) fever
(2) myalgias
(3) tracheobronchitis
(4) chemical pneumonitis
Chronic low, grade inhalation results in stannosis, which is a relatively benign form of pneumoconiosis. A chest X-ray shows diffuse opacification but the patient is relatively free of symptoms. It is important to avoid an expensive workup if the patient has a typical occupational exposure history.
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