Exposure to polytetrafluoroethylene decomposition products during the initial use of some pad heaters

The initial heating of pad heaters fabricated from materials coated with PTFE can result in employee exposures to harmful levels of PTFE thermal decomposition products. The details of two such incidents and the results of subsequent environmental monitoring for hydrolyzable fluoride are presented. Average concentrations of hydrolyzable fluoride probably ranged from .05 mg/m3 to 1.0 mg/m3 in the air of the work areas where illness (PFF) occurred. Reduction or elimination of the potential for exposure to these and other thermal decomposition products can be effected by "burning off" the coating in a safe location prior to use.