Teflon ® - polymer fume fever

Polymer fume fever may follow within a few hours of inhalation of pyrolytic products of fluorocarbon polymers, the most common of which is PTFE or Teflon®

Under normal usage Teflon® is inert, but if heated to above 250° C it will start to decompose.

Cigarettes rolled or smoked in the workplace contaminated with particles of polymer may be a source of the fever. A no-smoking rule should be strictly enforced and employees instructed to wash their hands before eating or rolling or smoking cigarettes.

Polymer fume fever is known to have occurred in workers using electronic instrument boards, in the manufacture of plastics and chemicals and in some repair shops.

Symptoms are similar to influenza and normally resolve within 24 -36 hours. Rarely, with multiple exposures or the presence of underlying pulmonary disease, permanent lung damage can occur.

If exposure occurs at work, there are a number of regulations which can apply, including the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988.

If you believe you may have an injury claim connected to exposure from Teflon fumes please contact us for expert advice from the most experienced personal injury law firm.

If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Clear Answers to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for yourself. Telephone us now on 0800 783 9019 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms.