Occupational asthma due to soft corrosive soldering fluxes containing zinc chloride and ammonium chloride

Abstract

Two cases of occupational asthma due to soft corrosive soldering fluxes used in metal jointing are described in which the diagnosis was based on work related deterioration in daily peak expiratory flow rate and positive responses in bronchial provocation tests. Both fluxes contained ammonium chloride and zinc chloride. Occupational asthma provoked by these agents has not previously been reported.