Poly fume fever - two fatal cases

Authors: Bell SJ, Edwards IR, Temple WA
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 33, Issue 3, pp 30, Mar 1985
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Avian
Subject Terms: Poisoning - chemical, Toxicology
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: Introduction: 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, one of the first to call attention to this problem, reviewed several of the early case histories of workers exposed to PTFE decomposition fumes. We wish to report two fatal cases of Polymer-Fume Fever that were the recent subject of an enquiry addressed to our Poisons Information Centre.

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