Metal Fume Fever and Polymer Fume Fever By Michael I Greenberg, MD, Drexel University College of Medicine; David Vearrier, MD, MPH, University of Mississippi Medical Center Reviewed / Revised May 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Pathophysiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Prognosis Treatment Prevention Key Points Metal fume fever is a clinical syndrome most commonly caused by occupational exposure to fumes that contain metal, generated by welding and related processes.