Lipid Pneumonia Following Occupational Exposure to Oil Spray

Pneumonitis due to aspiration of oil is a form of pulmonary consolidation that has been recognized for many years.¹Most of the cases described were attributable to the medicinal use of mineral oil and cod liver oil, but cases of lipid pneumonia have been caused by the accidental aspiration of kerosene, diesel oil, and gasoline. Infancy, debilitation, old age, and diseases affecting deglutition have been the most commonly associated factors. The following case report is made to point out the industrial hazards of oil spraying as a cause of lipid pneumonia. REPORT OF A CASE A 30-year-old white aircraft mechanic was admitted to Chanute Air Force Base Hospital on Feb. 19, 1952. His chief complaints were loss of vitality, shortness of breath on exertion, and frequent chest colds for the past year. Chest roentgenograms in 1946, 1948, and February, 1951, were reported as normal. A systemic review and the