Polymer Fume Fever If you have non-stick utensils in your house, use them carefully, because they are spreading a dangerous disease in your body. The name of this disease is Polymer Fume Fever. So far 267 people have been affected by it in America. They have even had to be hospitalized. This fever occurs when toxic smoke comes out of a non-stick pan after heating it. In such a situation, let us know how dangerous polymer fume fever is…
What is Polymer Fume Fever
According to reports, polymer fume fever is also known as Teflon Flu. It causes headache, body ache, fever and shivering. Health experts say that there is a risk of Teflon flu due to not cooking properly with non-stick utensils.
This usually happens when the non-stick utensil gets too hot. Due to this, chemicals start getting released from the coating of the utensil, which causes illness. When this chemical dissolves in the air, it reaches the lungs of the people present there and makes them sick.
Why is Teflon flu dangerous?
Teflon is a synthetic chemical that is made by joining carbon-fluorine molecules. It is also called polytetrafluoroethylene. It is non-reactive. Due to the lack of friction in its surface, it is used in non-stick utensils. PFAS chemicals are found in these utensils. If it is completely eliminated, it may take hundreds of years.
After entering the body, this chemical is neither digested nor broken down. This causes a lot of problems to the lungs. Its symptoms are visible some time after the chemical enters the lungs.
Symptoms of Polymer Fume Fever
Fever
Feeling cold
cold cough
heaviness in the chest
Shortness of breath
Headache, muscle and joint pain
Dizziness
feeling tired
nausea vomiting
Who is at risk for this disease?
Fumes from hot metal and burning plastic products can put people at risk for illnesses such as the flu. People who weld metal on the job are at higher risk for metal fume fever because some workers do not have the proper protective equipment to prevent the effects of exposure to the fumes.
During welding work they come in contact with a variety of metals including copper, iron, aluminum and tin. People who overheat PTFE (Teflon) cookware can also suffer from Teflon flu. Therefore, people should stay away from the source of fumes.
Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, please consult the concerned expert.
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