Chemical Pneumonitis from Inhalation of Zinc Chloride

¹ The Pulmonary Disease Service, Department of Medicine, United States Air Force Hospital, Lackland, United States Air Force Aerospace Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
² The Pulmonary Disease Service, Department of Medicine, United States Air Force Hospital, Lackland, United States Air Force Aerospace Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas., Chief, Pulmonary and Infectious Disease Service.

Three cases of severe, generalized chemical pneumonitis resulting from exposure to zinc chloride have been presented with representative roentgenograms. Two responded to symptomatic treatment while under close observation and one showed rapid progression and demanded the most aggressive measures. Despite the generalized involvement in all three patients and the relatively long persistence of infiltrate on chest roentgenograms, no lasting effects were detected by analysis of follow-up symptoms, chest x-ray films, ventilatory function tests or blood gas studies.

From a modest review of the literature, it is believed that the use of adrenocortical steroids during the acute phase of chemical pneumonitis has not been properly emphasized. Since the earliest complaints or findings are notoriously minimal, we wish to re-emphasize the cardinal principle of the closest watchful expectancy in patients recently exposed to noxious inhalant vapors.