ACUTE ALVEOLITIS AFTER INHALATION OF A WA TERPROOFING SPRAY - REPORT OF 2 CASES

Introduction. - Waterproofing sprays for leather clothing have seldom been involved in severe accidents. In some circumstances, their pulmon ary tonicity is marked, as shown by two case reports and a review of t he literature. Exegesis. - Acute alveolitis is described in two young adults without previous respiratory illness, following the use of a wa terproofing spray for leather clothing. Clinical features typical of a flu-like reaction (malaise, fever and chills) were associated with dy spnea and with hemoptysis in one patient. X-ray examination evidenced lesional edema which quickly resolved after symptomatic treatment. The toxic mechanism is debated, but experimental data and clinical findin gs suggest the causative role of recently introduced fluoropolymers. C onclusion. - Waterproofing sprays for leather clothing may induce seve re respiratory illness after massive inhalation in confined area Treat ment is supportive. (C) 1998, Elsevier, Paris.