Metal fume fever is associated with fumes from welding galvanized steel. Which metal oxide is primarily responsible?

• A. Zinc oxide
• B. Iron oxide
• C. Copper oxide
• D. Magnesium oxide

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that metal fume fever comes from inhaling zinc oxide fumes produced when the zinc coating on galvanized steel is heated during welding. When the zinc coating is welded, it vaporizes and oxidizes to zinc oxide in the air. Inhaled zinc oxide particles trigger an inflammatory response in the respiratory tract, leading to flu‑like symptoms that typically appear several hours after exposure. Among the options, zinc oxide is the oxide formed from the zinc coating and is specifically linked to welding galvanized steel, making it the primary culprit. The other oxides come from different metals or contexts and do not primarily explain metal fume fever in this scenario.