A subset of polymer fume fever occurs when a tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) coated frying pan or cooking pot overheats.
Situation:
(1) A frying pan or cooking pot is allowed to overheat, usually for some time.
(2) The prolonged heating causes pyrolysis of the coating which is released as fumes.
(3) The fumes cause polymer fume fever in nearby occupants, including pets.
The person develops polymer fume fever with a flu-like syndrome and pneumonitis. Usually the findings are transient. Small pets may not be so fortunate.
The clinical situation may be complicated if:
(1) the person smokes
(2) there is a fire with smoke inhalation
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