Pulmonary Problems Associated with the Use of Polytetrafluoroethylene

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Abstract
The experience of a group of 9 men employed in a manufacturing plant, who developed attacks of illness during the course of working with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is reported. The cause was presumed to be the inhalation of fumes from PTFE-contaminated cigarettes. Eight of the 9 employees reported chest pain, shorteness of breath and cough. One had documented pulmonary edema. Because of the potential seriousness of the respiratory complications reported, the question whether polymerfume fever is an adequate or appropriate term to apply to the human inhalation relation to pyrolysis products of PTFE was raised. Under some conditions of PTFE use, special precautions need to be taken, in addition to those usually recommended, to prevent exposure of workers to this substance.

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