Polymer fume fever (review)

Despite high chemical inertness of polytetrafluoroethylene, its pyrolysis, or the incomplete combustion reaction (oxidation-free thermal degradation), can lead to a rapid onset of flu-like symptoms when the resulting products are inhaled. This phenomenon is known as polymer fume fever and is most commonly observed in smokers. The hypothesis that ultrafine nanoparticles present in the air facilitate the transport of hydrofluoric acid molecules is the only standard that comes close to explaining this phenomenon. In some cases, when a toxic cause is not suspected, invasive tests are performed unnecessarily. There is a risk that the patient continues to be intoxicated and may develop pulmonary oedema or acute respiratory distress syndrome. There are no specific antidotes for Teflon pyrolysis products. The pervasive utilisation of polymeric products in industrial and domestic settings, in case of accidents or misuse, has the potential to exert a considerable negative influence on public health. Polymer fume fever is a rare, flu-like, occupational disease that is not always diagnosed promptly. A better understanding of the pathological process provides clinicians with the ability to make the correct diagnosis, properly educate patients, and ultimately achieve better treatment outcomes.

Abstract licence: CC BY

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