Polymer Fume Fever Research Articles

Teflon flu: Is it a rising concern of only developed country?

Abstract: Teflon flu also known as polymer fume fever is a temporary flu-like illness caused by inhaling fumes released when polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the chemical used to make non-stick coatings like Teflon, is heated to very high temperatures. This condition typically occurs when non-stick cookware is overheated to above 500°F (260°C), releasing fumes that can cause symptoms in humans. Teflon flu is manifested with fever, chills, headache, body aches, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath which usually appear within a few hours of exposure and may last for a day or tw. Teflon flu is generally not considered dangerous for healthy individuals but repeated exposure could have more serious effects. Although in India cases are not widely reported as in countries like the U.S., India’s medical community, including the Indian Council of Medical Research has advised caution and advocated use of earthen pots for cooking. Here we discuss in detail the causes, and ways to prevent Teflon flu in Indian context.

Fluoropolymer-associated illness

Context: Isolated outbreaks of respiratory illness associated with fluoropolymer-containing products, such as waterproofing agents and sealants, have occurred for many years in many different countries. Despite this, an assured mechanism of illness is not defined, representing a barrier to the prevention of future occurrences. Objective: To discuss the epidemiology of the respiratory illness outbreaks, proposed mechanisms of toxicity and clinical outcomes from exposure to these products. Methods: We performed a literature review using OVID Medline (January 1946 through December 2012) and PubMed (January 1950 through December 2012) using the search terms “fluoropolymer”, “fluorochemical”, “leather proofing”, “leather protectant”, “weatherproofing agent”, and “waterproofing agent”. Bibliographies of identified articles were screened for additional relevant studies, including non-indexed reports. Results: Fluoropolymer-associated respiratory illnesses often resemble polymer fume fever: acute respiratory symptoms predominate and are accompanied by flu-like symptoms. Outbreaks occasionally follow marketing of a new or reformulated product. Treatment with basic and supportive measures is sufficient in many cases, including fresh air and supplemental oxygen. Inhaled beta-2 adrenergic agonists and corticosteroids have been used. Toxicity may result from the fluoropolymer itself or the solvent in which it is delivered. Factors which may influence toxicity include fluoropolymer particle size, emission rate, methods of application, environmental conditions, and personal health. Conclusion: Exposure to fluoropolymer-containing waterproofing agents can cause lung injury and usually produce abrupt onset of respiratory and flu-like symptoms. Most victims improve with supportive care and supplemental oxygen. Serious outcomes, including acute respiratory distress syndrome and death, are uncommon. Proprietary information on the exact composition of most fluoropolymer-containing products is often unavailable, and this hinders identification of an exact cause of disease. The etiology is most likely multifactorial. Future research should focus on determining the exact mechanism of illness and establishing safe exposure limits.

A Case of Acute Lung Injury Caused by Tetrafluoroethylene Inhalation

Tetrafluoroethylene is a colorless gas that can be used to synthesize a variety of fluoride compounds by polymerization (e.g., Teflon). Fluoride compounds have many applications in industry. There are several reports of inhalation injury from the pyrolytic product of fluoride compounds. When the polymer is heated under the conditions of inadequate ventilation, the fumes can cause polymer fume fever or pulmonary edema which manifested as symptoms such as fever, chill, profuse sweating, cough and dyspnea. However there are no reports of a direct lung injury caused by tetrafluoroethylene. We report a case of a 27-year-old male presented with acute lung injury after inhaling concentrated tetrafluoroethylene. He complained of cough and dyspnea after the accidental inhalation of tetrfluoroethylene at his workplace. The symptoms improved without any complications after conservative treatment with oxygen and steroid.

Polymer fume fever after use of a household product

Polymer fume fever after use of a household product

Polymer degradation and ultrafine particles: Potential inhalation hazards for astronauts

When Teflon is heated the developing fumes produce in exposed humans an influenza-like syndrome (polymer fume fever) or also severe toxic effects like pulmonary edema, pneumonitis and death. The decomposition products and the resulting health effects are temperature-dependent. The toxic effects seem to be related to the ultrafine particulate fraction of the fume. To test the hypothesis that exposure to ultrafine particles results in an increased interstitialization of the particles which is accompanied by an acute pathological inflammation, rats were exposed to titanium dioxide (TiO 2) particles by intratracheal instillation and by inhalation. Both acute intratracheal instillation and subchronic inhalation studies on rats show that ultrafine TiO 2 particles (∼20 nm diameter) access the pulmonary interstitium to a larger extent than fine particles (∼250 nm diameter) and that they elicit an inflammatory response as indicated by PMN increase in lavaged cells. The release of ultrafine particles into the air of an enclosed environment from a thermodegradation event or from other sources is a potential hazard for astronauts. Knowing the mechanisms of action is a prerequisite for technical or medical countermeasures.

The resistance to carbon dioxide laser ignition of a new endotracheal tube: Xomed laser-shield II

Study Objective: To assess the resistance of a new endotracheal tube to penetration and ignition by a carbon dioxide (CO 2 laser at a clinically relevant power setting. Design: An unblinded, in vitro trial simulating clinical conditions. Setting: The operating room at a university medical center. Patients: None. Interventions: A CO 2 laser at 20W with a beam diameter of 1 mm was directed onto the Xomed Laser-Shield II at several points: both perpendicular and tangential to the portion of the tube covered by the protective wrap, to the unwrapped silicone tubing just proximal to the cuff, to the cuff filled with saline and methylene blue, and to the unwrapped silicone tubing distal to the cuff. Trials were performed with or without supplemental oxygen (O 2) blown onto the study site and with a 6 L/min flow through the tube containing one of four concentrations of O 2 in O 2-air admixtures: 21 %, 30%, 40%, and 100%. Measurements and Main Results: Under all conditions, the laser did not penetrate the protective wrap, but the overlying polytetrafuoroethylene (Teflon) sheet was vaporized to an area equal to the size of beam application. The cuff was penetrated by the laser within 5 seconds. The unprotected silicone portion of the tube was penetrated by the laser in approximately 5 seconds, and time to formation of a blowtorch phenomenon shortened with increasing the percentage of O 2 flowing through the tube. Conclusions: The protective coating of the Xomed Laser-Shield II is laser-resistant, but the unprotected silicone proximal and distal to the cuff is laser-vulnerable and can, under certain conditions, promote a blowtorch phenomenon. This tube would be acceptable for use in oral and pharyngeal laser surgery, but we recommend its use only in well-ventilated areas, out of concern for exposure to the products of the pyrolysis of Teflon, specifically the development of polymer fume fever.

‘Polymer fume fever’ without polymer

‘Polymer fume fever’ (PFF), a temporary, intense, but only very rarely serious influenza-like syndrome previously related only to the pyrolysis of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), may also be induced by fluorocarbon systems with molecular weights in the telomeric and possibly monomeric range.

Prolonged fever associated with inhalation of multiple pyrolysis products

A case of smoke inhalation with a self-limited but prolonged febrile course, including headaches and chills, is reported. A final diagnosis of polymer fume fever was made, although the duration of fever was longer than generally has been reported with this syndrome. Pyrolysis products involved included those of polyurethane, methylene chloride, and polytetrafluoroethylene ("Teflon"). The results of toxicological testing are reported and discussed.

“Poly” fume fever — Two fatal cases

Abstract Extract Hazards from the thermal decomposition of plastics are variable and depend on the particular plastic involved. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, “Teflon”) presents an unusual and unique thermal decomposition hazard which has been called Polymer-Fume Fever. D.K. Harris,(5 Harris, D.K. 1951. Polymer-Fume Fever. Lancet, ii: 1008–1011. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar]) one of the first to call attention to this problem, reviewed several of the early case histories of workers exposed to PTFE decomposition fumes.

2972. The burning question of plastics again: Blandford, T. B., Seamon, P. J., Hughes, R., Pattison, M & Wilderspin, M. P. (1975). A case of polytetra-fluoroethylene poisoning in cockatiels accompanied by polymer fume fever in the owner. Vet. Rec.96, 175

2972. The burning question of plastics again: Blandford, T. B., Seamon, P. J., Hughes, R., Pattison, M & Wilderspin, M. P. (1975). A case of polytetra-fluoroethylene poisoning in cockatiels accompanied by polymer fume fever in the owner. Vet. Rec.96, 175

A case of polytetrafluoroethylene poisoning in cockatiels accompanied by polymer fume fever in the owner.

Five cocatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) died within 30 minutes following exposure to fumes from a frying pan coated with the "non-stick" plastic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that had accidentally overheated. Within an hour the owner developed symptoms of "polymer fume fever" but recovered in the next 24 hours. Clinical signs and post mortem lesions of the cockatiels are described and reference is made to the unusual susceptibility of parakeets to the pyrolysis products of frying pans coated with PTFE.

Urinary fluoride levels in polytetrafluoroethylene fabricators.

Urinary fluoride levels were investigated as an index of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) exposure, since carbonyl fluoride, a pyrolysis product of PTFE, is metabolized and excreted as inorganic fluoride ion. Spot urine samples and occupational histories relating to polymer fume fever were obtained from 77 workers at a small PTFE fabricating plant. Environmental air sampling for PTFE was also performed. Air levels of PTFE ranging from 0 to 5.48 mg/m3 were found. All urine values fell below the level at which systemic effects are reported to occur. Analyses of the results by the method of analysis of variance demonstrated that the mean urinary fluoride level among workers who had one or more years of exposure to PFTE who also had experienced one or more reported episodes of polymer fume fever was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that among employees with less than one year or more of exposure and no history of polymer fume fever. Additional exposure beyond one year and additional polymer fume fever episodes did not result in the further elevation of urine fluoride levels.

Organic Polymer Biocompatibility and Toxicology

Abstract Adverse effects of organic polymers used for plasma extenders, tissue adhesives, bone cements, contraceptive devices, prostheses, artificial organs, food packaging, cooking, and laboratory ware are appraised. Parenteral polymer disintegration involves hydrolytic, redox, and degradation reactions. Accumulative toxicity of plasticizers, antioxidants, and monomers liberated from plastic containers warrants investigation. Main problems with heart-assist devices are clotting and blood destruction; with plasma extenders, thesaurismotic reactions; with acrylic bone glues, transitory hypotension; with artificial kidneys, loss of metabolic essentials; with silicone heart valves, uptake of lipids; with silicone chin implants, bone resorption; and with liquid silicone mammary amplification, lumpy breasts and mastitis. A polymer fume fever is linked with pyrolysis of polytetrafluoroethylene. Human solid-state carcinogenesis constitutes a calculated risk with polymer implants. In rodents, all solid polymers tested produced cancer; chemical carcinogenesis was induced by a polyvinyl chloride copolymer, vinyl chloride, polycaprolactam, liquid silicone, and some brands of polytetrafluoroethylene.

Polymer-Fume Fever

Polymer-fume fever, which is characterized by a tight, gripping sensation in the chest associated with shivering, sore throat, pyrexia, and weakness, is rarely reported in the literature. It follows exposure to the pyrolysis products of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) during heating or machining the polymer, or contamination of cigarettes and pipes. The patient described here suffered more than 40 attacks during a nine-month period, as a result of contamination of cigarettes. The cause of the fever was not recognized for a long time. Lassitude persisted for several months after the last episode, but no evidence has been found of any permanent ill effects. Polymer-fume fever should always be included in textbook lists of causes of fever of unknown origin.

Polymer-fume fever. An elusive diagnosis

Polymer-fume fever. An elusive diagnosis

Polymer Fume Fever in a Printing Works

Polymer Fume Fever in a Printing Works

AN EPIDEMIC OF POLYMER-FUME FEVER.

An epidemic of polymer-fume fever involved 36 of 61 employees in one industry over a 90-day period. All of those involved demonstrated the classic history of an influenza-like syndrome, with fever and chills occuring several hours after exposure to the products of pyrolysis of polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon). The majority of cases resulted from the smoking of cigarettes which were contaminated with a fine dust of this material. A study of pulmonary function of all workers involved demonstrated changes that could be accounted for only on the basis of smoking habits. Three persons experienced changes in pulmonary function consistant with mild obstruction of the airways, in association with the onset of symptoms. While no serious consequences were observed, the effects of these illnesses upon the health and productivity of the group could have been prevented.

818. No smoking with PTFE around please!: Lewis, C. E. & Kerby, G. R. (1965). An epidemic of polymer-fume fever. J. Am. med. Ass.191, 375

818. No smoking with PTFE around please!: Lewis, C. E. & Kerby, G. R. (1965). An epidemic of polymer-fume fever. J. Am. med. Ass.191, 375

Polymer Fume Fever due to Inhalation of Fumes from Polytetrafluoethylene

Polymer Fume Fever due to Inhalation of Fumes from Polytetrafluoethylene