Polymer fume fever occurs when a person inhales pyrolysis products of a polymer.
Usually the polymer involved is a flurocarbon such as tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) but other polymers may be involved. These compounds may be encounted in a broad range of consumer and industrial applications, such as waterproofing, sealants, coatings and even hairspray propellants.
Exposure can occur when the polymer is overheated or burned, releasing fumes. This can occur during the machining of a plastic. It most often occurs to someone not wearing respiratory protection.
Clinical features:
(1) “flu-like symptoms”
(2) fever
(3) chills
(4) myalgias
(5) non-productive cough
(6) dyspnea
(7) variable headache
Imaging studies of lungs show findings consistent with pneumonitis.
Usually the findings are transient over a few days, but repeated exposures (as in an occupational setting) may lead to more serious complications.
The diagnosis can be more challenging when the exposure is mixed, with polymer fumes, metal fumes, cigarette smoke and other compounds.
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