Cold blast furnace syndrome: a new source of toxic inhalation by nitrogen oxides.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a new toxic inhalation syndrome in blast furnace workers.


METHODS
Fourteen workers developed acute respiratory symptoms shortly after exposure to "air blast" from blast furnace tuyeres. These included chest tightness, dyspnoea, rigors, and diaphoresis. Chest radiographs showed pulmonary infiltrates, and lung function a restrictive abnormality. This report includes a description of clinical features of the affected workers and elucidation of the probable cause of the outbreak.


RESULTS
Clinical features and occupational hygiene measurements suggested the most likely cause was inhalation of nitrogen oxides at high pressure and temperature. While the task could not be eliminated, engineering controls were implemented to control the hazard. No further cases have occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
"Cold blast furnace syndrome" represents a previously undescribed hazard of blast furnace work, probably due to inhalation of nitrogen oxides. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute toxic inhalational injuries in blast furnace workers.
Tague
I
I
Occupational Health Services, Bluescope Steel, Port Kembla, NSW 2500, Australia.
Llewellin
P
P
Burton
K
K
Buchan
R
R
Yates
D H
DH
D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008669:Metallurgy; D009589:Nitrogen Oxides / Q000633:toxicity*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*
D009589:Nitrogen Oxides