[Pulmonary damage caused by ski waxing]

It is well known that inhalation of pyrolysis products of perfluorinated hydrocarbons (e.g. Teflon) may result in polymer-fume fever and even pulmonary oedema. A new type of ski wax has recently been introduced, a powder consisting of low-molecular perfluorinated hydrocarbons. We report a case history of a man who developed an attack of polymer-fume fever and pulmonary oedema after smoking cigarettes contaminated with this ski wax. Inhalation of vapour from ski waxes melted at low temperatures may also be harmful to the lungs.