Polymer fume fever: Difference between revisions
CSV import |
CSV import |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{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}} | {{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. | '''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== | ==Causes== | ||
Polymer fume fever occurs when PTFE, a type of [[fluoropolymer]], is heated above | 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== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The symptoms of polymer fume fever typically appear several hours after exposure and include: | The symptoms of polymer fume fever typically appear several hours after exposure and include: | ||
| Line 17: | Line 32: | ||
* [[Sore throat]] | * [[Sore throat]] | ||
* [[Dyspnea]] (shortness of breath) | * [[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. | These symptoms usually resolve within 24 to 48 hours without long-term effects, but repeated exposure can lead to more severe respiratory issues. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
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. | 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. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Preventing polymer fume fever involves controlling exposure to PTFE fumes. This can be achieved by: | Preventing polymer fume fever involves controlling exposure to PTFE fumes. This can be achieved by: | ||
| Line 28: | Line 40: | ||
* Implementing [[personal protective equipment]] (PPE) such as [[respirators]] | * Implementing [[personal protective equipment]] (PPE) such as [[respirators]] | ||
* Educating workers about the risks and safe handling of PTFE materials | * Educating workers about the risks and safe handling of PTFE materials | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
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. | 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. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Polytetrafluoroethylene]] | * [[Polytetrafluoroethylene]] | ||
* [[Occupational safety and health]] | * [[Occupational safety and health]] | ||
* [[Fluoropolymer]] | * [[Fluoropolymer]] | ||
[[Category:Occupational diseases]] | [[Category:Occupational diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Respiratory diseases]] | [[Category:Respiratory diseases]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:46, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| 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 |
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:
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.
