Pulmonary problems associated with the use of polytetrafluoroethylene.

The experience of a group of nine 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 nine employees reported chest pain, shortness of breath, and cough. One had documented pulmonary edema. In view of the potential seriousness of the respiratory complications reported by use and by others we raise the question whether "polymerfume fever" is an adequate or appropriate term to apply to the human inhalation reaction to pyrolysis products of PTFE. Under some conditions of PTFE use, special precautions need to be taken, in addition to those usually recommended, to prevent exposure of to this substance.