WHAT IS TEFLON FLU?
Teflon is a brand name for the chemical coating PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) that is used to make nonstick cookware. Polymer fume fever, often called Teflon flu, is an illness caused by breathing in fumes released when Teflon (made from polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE) gets very hot, between 300 °C (572 °F) and 450 °C (842 °F).
Teflon is mostly used in nonstick cookware (pans and pots) for homes, which has a Teflon coating. Burning or scratching these can let out harmful fumes. In factories, people can be exposed to Teflon when handling raw materials or not following safety rules or the mismanagement of working hygiene.
IS TEFLON FLU DEADLY?
Teflon flu is hazardous but not deadly; its chemical compound includes F2C=CF2 (gas). It is important to note that the burning point of Teflon is 260 °C. However, it becomes hazardous at 350 °C.
SYMPTOMS
Some symptoms can look like the flu or other viral infections, so people might not realise their problems are caused by their cookware. Polymer fume fever, or “Teflon Flu,” refers to flu-like symptoms someone can get after breathing in fumes from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE is used to coat non-stick cookware to stop food from sticking while cooking. Here are the symptoms down below:
- Headache
- Fever or elevated temperature
- Shivering or chills
- Muscle aches or cramps
- Weakness
- Dry cough
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Bad or unpleasant taste
- Chest tightness
Symptoms usually last for a couple of days.
These fumes can be harmful for the pets as well. Animals such as birds and small-sized animals who have delicate respiratory systems tend to be more vulnerable to these fumes.
Treatment
Getting away from the source of the fumes is the most important treatment for this condition. Drinking lots of water could be beneficial, as well as use of the medication NSAIDs or acetaminophen, which can be helpful in body aches and fever.
