Polymer fume fever-like syndrome due to hairspray inhalation

Inhalation of fluoropolymer pyrolysis products causes a self-limited illness termed polymer fume fever; symptoms include fever, chills, myalgias and non-productive cough, and are easily mistaken for an acute viral illness. We report a 29-y-old male who developed fever and pneumonitis shortly after t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inVeterinary and human toxicology Vol. 46; no. 5; p. 266
Main Authors Delgado, Joao H, Waksman, Javier C
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.10.2004
Subjects
Adult
Fever - etiology
Fluorocarbons - administration & dosage
Fluorocarbons - poisoning
Hair Preparations - poisoning
Humans
Inhalation Exposure
Male
Oxygen Inhalation Therapy
Pneumonia - chemically induced
Polymers
Syndrome
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Summary:Inhalation of fluoropolymer pyrolysis products causes a self-limited illness termed polymer fume fever; symptoms include fever, chills, myalgias and non-productive cough, and are easily mistaken for an acute viral illness. We report a 29-y-old male who developed fever and pneumonitis shortly after the inhalation of pyrolyzed hairspray. Chest x-rays showed pictures consistent with pneumonitis. The patient was treated solely with supplemental oxgen, and his symptoms resolved over 24 h. Inhalation of pyrolyzed hairspray may cause a syndrome resembling polymer fume fever.
ISSN:0145-6296