Polymer fume fever: Difference between revisions

Polymer fume fever
Synonyms	Teflon flu
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, chest tightness, dyspnea
Complications	Pneumonia, pulmonary edema
Onset	Within a few hours of exposure
Duration	12 to 48 hours
Types	N/A
Causes	Inhalation of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fumes
Risks	Occupational exposure in industrial settings
Diagnosis	Based on clinical history and symptoms
Differential diagnosis	Influenza, common cold, bronchitis
Prevention	Avoiding exposure to PTFE fumes, using ventilation and respiratory protection
Treatment	Supportive care, oxygen therapy, antipyretics
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with full recovery
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Latest revision as of 15:46, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
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An illness caused by inhalation of fumes from heated polytetrafluoroethylene

Polymer fume fever is an acute illness caused by the inhalation of fumes released when polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is heated to high temperatures. This condition is characterized by flu-like symptoms and is often associated with occupational exposure in industries where PTFE is used.

Causes[edit]

Polymer fume fever occurs when PTFE, a type of fluoropolymer, is heated above 300¬∞C (572¬∞F), releasing toxic fumes. These fumes contain ultrafine particles and gaseous products such as hydrogen fluoride and carbonyl fluoride. Workers in industries such as plastics manufacturing, metal coating, and cooking with non-stick cookware are at risk of exposure.

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of polymer fume fever typically appear several hours after exposure and include:

Fever
Chills
Headache
Myalgia (muscle pain)
Cough
Sore throat
Dyspnea (shortness of breath)

These symptoms usually resolve within 24 to 48 hours without long-term effects, but repeated exposure can lead to more severe respiratory issues.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of polymer fume fever is primarily based on the patient's history of exposure to PTFE fumes and the presence of characteristic symptoms. There are no specific laboratory tests for this condition, but chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests may be conducted to rule out other respiratory conditions.

Prevention[edit]

Preventing polymer fume fever involves controlling exposure to PTFE fumes. This can be achieved by:

Using adequate ventilation systems in workplaces
Implementing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators
Educating workers about the risks and safe handling of PTFE materials

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for polymer fume fever is mainly supportive. Patients are advised to rest and stay hydrated. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to alleviate symptoms such as fever and muscle pain. In severe cases, oxygen therapy may be required.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Polymer Fume Fever''' is a condition primarily associated with the inhalation of fumes released by certain polymers when they are heated. This condition is most commonly linked to the heating of [[polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)]] materials, which are widely known under the brand name Teflon, among others. Polymer fume fever has been a concern in both industrial settings and in homes, particularly where non-stick cookware is used. The condition is characterized by flu-like symptoms that typically arise a few hours after exposure to the fumes.
+{{SI}}
+{{Infobox medical condition
+| name            = Polymer fume fever
+| image           = [[File:Polytetrafluoroethylene.svg|150px]]
+| caption         = [[Polytetrafluoroethylene]] (PTFE) structure
+| synonyms        = [[Teflon flu]]
+| field           = [[Pulmonology]]
+| symptoms        = [[Fever]], [[chills]], [[cough]], [[sore throat]], [[chest tightness]], [[dyspnea]]
+| complications   = [[Pneumonia]], [[pulmonary edema]]
+| onset           = Within a few hours of exposure
+| duration        = 12 to 48 hours
+| causes          = Inhalation of [[polytetrafluoroethylene]] (PTFE) fumes
+| risks           = [[Occupational exposure]] in [[industrial settings]]
+| diagnosis       = Based on [[clinical history]] and [[symptoms]]
+| differential    = [[Influenza]], [[common cold]], [[bronchitis]]
+| prevention      = Avoiding exposure to PTFE fumes, using [[ventilation]] and [[respiratory protection]]
+| treatment       = [[Supportive care]], [[oxygen therapy]], [[antipyretics]]
+| prognosis       = Generally good with full recovery
+| frequency       = Rare
+}}
+{{Short description|An illness caused by inhalation of fumes from heated polytetrafluoroethylene}}
+'''Polymer fume fever''' is an acute illness caused by the inhalation of fumes released when [[polytetrafluoroethylene]] (PTFE) is heated to high temperatures. This condition is characterized by flu-like symptoms and is often associated with occupational exposure in industries where PTFE is used.
+==Causes==
+Polymer fume fever occurs when PTFE, a type of [[fluoropolymer]], is heated above 300¬∞C (572¬∞F), releasing toxic fumes. These fumes contain ultrafine particles and gaseous products such as [[hydrogen fluoride]] and [[carbonyl fluoride]]. Workers in industries such as [[plastics]] manufacturing, [[metal]] coating, and [[cooking]] with non-stick cookware are at risk of exposure.
 ==Symptoms==
-The symptoms of polymer fume fever include:
+The symptoms of polymer fume fever typically appear several hours after exposure and include:
-* Fever
+* [[Fever]]
-* Chills
+* [[Chills]]
-* Sore throat
+* [[Headache]]
-* Cough
+* [[Myalgia]] (muscle pain)
-* Chest tightness
+* [[Cough]]
-* Shortness of breath
+* [[Sore throat]]
-* Muscle aches
+* [[Dyspnea]] (shortness of breath)
-* Fatigue
+These symptoms usually resolve within 24 to 48 hours without long-term effects, but repeated exposure can lead to more severe respiratory issues.
+==Diagnosis==
-These symptoms usually resolve within 48 hours without medical intervention. However, repeated or prolonged exposure can lead to more severe respiratory issues.
+Diagnosis of polymer fume fever is primarily based on the patient's history of exposure to PTFE fumes and the presence of characteristic symptoms. There are no specific laboratory tests for this condition, but [[chest X-ray]] and [[pulmonary function test]]s may be conducted to rule out other respiratory conditions.
-==Causes==
-Polymer fume fever is caused by the inhalation of fumes generated from overheating polymers. PTFE, when heated above 300°C (572°F), begins to decompose and release a variety of gases, including hydrofluoric acid and other potentially toxic compounds. These fumes are capable of causing inflammation in the lungs and airways, leading to the symptoms associated with the condition.
 ==Prevention==
-Prevention of polymer fume fever involves controlling exposure to polymer fumes. This can be achieved through:
+Preventing polymer fume fever involves controlling exposure to PTFE fumes. This can be achieved by:
-* Using polymers within their recommended temperature ranges
+* Using adequate [[ventilation]] systems in workplaces
-* Ensuring adequate ventilation when heating polymers
+* Implementing [[personal protective equipment]] (PPE) such as [[respirators]]
-* Using protective equipment in industrial settings
+* Educating workers about the risks and safe handling of PTFE materials
-* Being cautious with non-stick cookware to prevent overheating
 ==Treatment==
-Treatment for polymer fume fever is primarily supportive and focuses on relieving symptoms. This may include:
+Treatment for polymer fume fever is mainly supportive. Patients are advised to rest and stay hydrated. [[Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug]]s (NSAIDs) may be used to alleviate symptoms such as fever and muscle pain. In severe cases, [[oxygen therapy]] may be required.
-* Rest
+==See also==
-* Hydration
+* [[Polytetrafluoroethylene]]
-* Analgesics for fever and muscle aches
+* [[Occupational safety and health]]
-* Avoiding further exposure to the fumes
+* [[Fluoropolymer]]
-In most cases, individuals recover fully with no long-term health effects. However, it is important to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
-==Epidemiology==
-The exact prevalence of polymer fume fever is not well documented, as many cases likely go unreported due to the self-limiting nature of the condition. However, it is known to occur more frequently in occupational settings where high-temperature processes involving polymers are common.
-==See Also==
-* [[Occupational lung disease]]
-* [[Toxicology]]
-* [[Respiratory system]]
 [[Category:Occupational diseases]]
-[[Category:Toxic effects of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source]]
 [[Category:Respiratory diseases]]
-{{medicine-stub}}

Polymer fume fever

Synonyms	Teflon flu
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, chest tightness, dyspnea
Complications	Pneumonia, pulmonary edema
Onset	Within a few hours of exposure
Duration	12 to 48 hours
Types	N/A
Causes	Inhalation of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fumes
Risks	Occupational exposure in industrial settings
Diagnosis	Based on clinical history and symptoms
Differential diagnosis	Influenza, common cold, bronchitis
Prevention	Avoiding exposure to PTFE fumes, using ventilation and respiratory protection
Treatment	Supportive care, oxygen therapy, antipyretics
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with full recovery
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A