Polymer-fume fever associated with smoking and use of a mold-release spray containing polytetrafluoroethylene

An ephemeral and debilitating flu-like illness experienced by stamp-makers prompted them to solicit assistance from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. It was determined that a combination of the use of a mold-release spray containing a fluorocarbon polymer (polytetrafluoroethylene), poor general hygiene, and smoking during and after use of the spray was responsible for the workers' symptoms, commonly referred to as "polymer-fume fever." Recommendations made, and which resulted in the abatement of illness included: ventilating the vulcanizing furnace, cessation of smoking in the workplace, or using a mold-release spray that does not contain fluorocarbon.