Let’s cut to the chase: polymer fume fever, also known as “Teflon Flu,” is a real condition. Moreover, it has seen an uptick in cases over the past few years. If you’ve felt upper respiratory symptoms like a tight chest, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or headaches after inhaling too many cooking fumes, this may be due to polymer fume fever. And 12 to 24 hours after a large exposure to these fumes, some people experience flu-like symptoms as well. Keep reading to learn more about what “Teflon Flu” is, how it’s caused, and how to protect yourself from developing this condition.
How common is it really?
According to US Poison Control Centers, cases of polymer fume fever have tripled in the past 3 years to over 265 suspected cases in 2023. Researchers believe cases are severely underreported, estimating reporting rates of less than 10%. This means that cases of polymer fume fever probably number into the thousands per year, and you might not even know you’re experiencing it.
The link between PFAS chemicals and polymer fume fever
The earliest cases of polymer fume fever were recognized in the 1950s and 1960s. Occupational exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) was causing workers to develop an influenza-like syndrome. This was especially true after PFAS chemicals were heated to high temperatures. In one particular case, dozens of employees developed polymer fume fever after getting exposed to fine particles of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). Nowadays, researchers know that polymer fume fever can be caused by excessive inhalation of any PFAS chemicals, not just PTFE. However, research has focused mostly on PTFE due to how commonly it is found in cookware and the clear link to “Teflon Flu.”
Teflon, PTFE, and polymer fume fever in the home
The term “Teflon Flu” is commonly used to describe polymer fume fever because Teflon is a brand name for PTFE. Most non-stick treated pans, cookware, and bakeware contain PTFE, and when heated to high temperatures, release toxic vapors that cause polymer fume fever. This is especially true if non-stick cookware is pre-heated above 450 to 500 degrees Farenheit without cooking oils or liquids. This includes heating pans on the stove, regardless of fuel type (i.e. gas, electric, or induction), as well as heating PTFE-coated baking sheets or baking pans in the oven. And while overheating Teflon-coated cookware is the primary cause of polymer fume fever in the home, other causes are possible. Cases have even been reported due to inhalation from hairspray, of all things.
The symptoms and health risks of polymer fume fever
The initial signs of polymer fume fever are related to respiratory issues such as shortness of breath, as well as headache. Within 12-24 hours after exposure to PFAS vapors, mild flu-like symptoms may also develop, including fever and muscle aches. These symptoms typically subside over 2 to 3 days, and most people recover fully and quickly.
Many research studies are being conducted regarding the health impacts of PFAS exposure. Not much is known about potential long-term impacts of polymer fume fever. A single episode of polymer fume fever does not appear to cause long term harm. Repeated exposures to PTFE vapors and multiple bouts of “Teflon Flu” likely causes longer term harm similar to other chronic exposures to PFAS chemicals.
Reducing the risk of “Teflon Flu”
Choose the right pans and bakeware: The first step to reducing your risk of polymer fume fever is to make sure you’re not using old, worn, or scratched non-stick pans that contain Teflon or PTFE. Nowadays, some pans are marketed as “PFAS-free”, “PFOA-free”, or “PFOS-free” even though they still contain PFAS chemicals like PTFE. If possible, choose cookware, pots, and pans that are made of cast iron, ceramic, or stainless steel materials that avoid PFAS non-stick coatings altogether. Mamavation has a number of articles showing which cookware options are less toxic or non-toxic based on testing hundreds of products.
Cook at low to medium temperatures: If you use non-stick pans or bakeware that contain PFAS or PTFE, how you use these can impact safety. Heating above 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius) can release toxic PFAS vapors, so cooking below these temperatures reduces the risk. The challenge is that some electric and induction cooktops can cause pans to reach above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit if left on the high setting for more than a few minutes.
Avoid preheating an empty pan: Preheating empty pans can exacerbate this problem. Adding cooking oil with lower smoke points, cooking liquid, or butter to the pan before preheating can help lower pan temperatures. Smoking oils or butter can also provide a visual cue that the pan is getting too hot.
Ensure there’s adequate ventilation: Lastly, make sure there is proper ventilation while cooking. This is good practice regardless of “Teflon Flu,” as cooking is a major cause of poor indoor air quality. Cooking with heat releases nitrogen dioxide, PM10 and PM2.5 particles, and in some cases benzene, all of which contribute to poor health outcomes including asthma. Operating a high-flow hood and opening windows for ventilation will help dissipate some of the cooking vapors, including PFAS and PTFE fumes if they are released due to excessive heat.
Check your PFAS levels if you’re concerned
PFAS chemicals like PTFE have negative health impacts. This includes “Teflon Flu” that occurs from a single exposure to PTFE vapors. Repeated exposure to higher levels of PFAS chemicals is linked with other health issues like cancer, cardiovascular disease, developmental issues, and more. If you’re concerned about your levels of PFAS chemicals, consider taking a simple, at-home PFAS blood test to better understand your PFAS levels.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing in this article or on the web site represents medical advice or an offer of medical, diagnostic, or treatment products or services. Anyone concerned about their health should consult a licensed medical professional.
