[Acute pneumopathy caused by exposure to zinc oxide].

The authors report the case of an acute lung reaction due to an accidental exposition to zinc oxide. This episode showed features of metal fume fever. The bronchoalveolar lavage showed an increased cellularity (1,300 cells/mm3) with 28% neutrophils and 25% eosinophils. The characteristics of pulmonary disease associated with fever associated to exposure to zinc, as well as its pathogenic mechanism are discussed.