[Hard metal-induced lung changes. Hard metal asthma--interstitial hard metal pneumopathy].

Hard metal pneumopathy and hard metal asthma are two separate forms of hard metal lung disease. Cobalt is the probable causal agent involved. Bronchial provocation with hard metal powder induces obstruction within 2 hours of the challenge. Suspected hard metal pneumopathy, however, should be confirmed or excluded by a period of non-exposure followed by re-exposure, since the long-term exposure in patients suffering from hard-metal pneumopathy leads to pulmonary fibrosis.