What are common symptoms of metal fume fever?

• A. Headache only.
• B. No symptoms.
• C. Fever, chills, nausea, and muscle aches within hours after exposure.
• D. Nausea and vomiting within hours after exposure.

Answer: (C)

Metal fume fever is an illness caused by inhaling welding fumes, often zinc oxide from galvanized metal, that produces flu‑like symptoms after exposure. The key feature is the rapid onset of systemic symptoms several hours later—fever and chills accompanied by muscle aches (and often nausea). This combination—fever, chills, nausea, and muscle aches appearing within hours after exposure—best fits the described option because it reflects both the bodily response (fever and body pains) and the timing after exposure. A simple headache or no symptoms doesn’t capture the typical systemic response, and while nausea can occur, the defining picture isn’t limited to GI symptoms alone.