Polymer-fume fever

Prolonged exposure to thermal decomposition products causes so-called polymer fume fever, a temporary influenza-like condition. It may be contracted by smoking tobacco that has been contaminated with the polymer. It occurs several hours after exposure and passes within 36—48 hours the temporary effects are not cumulative. 

Polymer fume fever, 18 304 Polymer gasoline, 4 423 propylene in, 20 782-783 Polymer gels, smart, 22 718 Polymer-grade ethylene, specification for, 10 624t... 

Toxicology. Fumes of heated polytetrafluo-roethylene (PTFE) cause polymer fume fever, an influenza-like syndrome. 

Multiple episodes of PTFE-induced inhalation fever over an 18-month period were associated with marked progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a carding machine operator. Permanent airway damage may occur in some individuals after repeated instances of polymer fume fever. 

Lewis CE, Kirby GR An epidemic of polymer-fume fever. 7AMA 191 375, 1965... 

Polymer fume fever — An illness characterized by temporary flu-like symptoms caused by inhaling the products released during the decomposition of fluo-ropolymers, mainly PTFE. Tobacco smoke enhances the severity of this condition. 

SAFETY PROFILE The finished polymerized compound is inert under ordinary conditions. There have been reports of polymer fume fever in humans... 

Inhalation of fluoropolymer fumes from overheating or burning the resin may cause polymer fume fever . High temperatures, such as in sintering operations, may release APFO vapors, which may condense as a solid or as a liquid solution in the oven, exhaust duct or stack, or on other cool surfaces. 

There have been numerous reports of toxic effects caused by the thermal decomposition of poly(tetrafluoroethene), PTFE. The resulting condition, referred to as polymer fume fever is characterised by its distinctive influenza-like symptoms of chills, body aches, joint pains and profuse sweating. Nausea and vomiting may also be in evidence. A general feeling of... 

Tobacco products should be banned from the work areas to prevent polymer fume fever. Street elothing should be stored separately from work clothing. Thorough washing after removal of work clothing will remove powder residues from the body. 

Polymer Fume Fever - A condition that occurs in humans as a result of exposure to degradation products of polytetrafluoroethylene and other fluoropolymers. The symptoms of exposure resemble those of flu and are temporary. After about twenty-four hours, the flu-like symptoms disappear. 

Caution. The finished compound is inert under ordinary conditions. There have been reports of polymer fume fever, the symptoms of which resemble those of an attack of influenza, in humans exposed to the heated polymer under conditions of inadequate ventilation. Contamination of smoking tobacco with polytetrafluoroethylene, even in small amounts, is to be avoided. 

Teflon pyrolysis occurring at temperatures of approximately 450°C produces a mixture of particulate and gaseous by-products in 1951, Harris45 was the first to describe polymer fume fever, the clinical syndrome that resulted from inhaling this mixture. Within 1 to 2 hours postexposure, a syndrome known as polymer fume fever appears. Often mistaken for influenza, polymer fume fever causes malaise, chills, fever to 104°F (40°C), sore throat, sweating, and chest tightness. Once the patient is removed from the site of exposure, the symptoms spontaneously and gradually disappear over 24 to 48 hours without any specific treatment. The patient typically... 

Williams N, Smith FK. Polymer-fume fever, an elusive diagnosis. JAMA. 1972 219 1587-1589. 

Williams N, Atkinson GW, Patchefsky AS. Polymer-fume fever Not so benign. J Occup Med. 1974 16 519-522. 

Polytetrafluoroethylene decomposition products Overexposures result in polymer fume fever, a disease with fiu-iike symptoms inciuding chills, fever, and cough. See also p 259. Produced by pyrolysis of Teflon and related materials. Perlsofluorobutylene and carbonyl fluoride are among the pyrolysis products. 

Use Level 0.5-2.0% on total formulation wt. (slip, mar/scratch resist.) Toxicology May cause respiratory tract irritation treat airborne dust as nuisance dust low oral toxicity not expected to cause eye or primary skin irritation inh. of fumes may cause polymer fume fever TSCA listed Precaution Avoid contact with reactive chems. 

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