Chemical pneumonitis

Alternative names:

acute chemical pneumonitis; chronic chemical pneumonitis

Definition:

An inflammation of the lungs (pneumonitis) or breathing difficulty caused by inhalation of noxious chemicals.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Many household and industrial chemicals are capable of producing both an acute and a chronic form of inflammation in the lung. Acute chemical pneumonitis causes edema (swelling) of the lung tissue, the movement of fluid into the air spaces in the lung, and decreased ability to absorb oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide. In severe cases, death may result from lack of oxygen reaching the tissues (hypoxia).

More common causes of the acute form are from hydrocarbon ingestion or inhalation. Chronic chemical pneumonitis follows low levels of exposure to the lung irritant over extended periods of time. This causes fibrosis (scarring) with decreased oxygen exchange and stiffening of the lung. Unchecked, this condition may ultimately lead to respiratory failure. Chemicals such as chlorine (produced in the home when some toilet bowl cleansers are inadvertently mixed with other chlorinated cleansers), beryllium (found in older style fluorescent light tubes), and methylene chloride (found in paint strippers) can cause chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis. Many other household chemicals can cause lung problems.