Using non-stick cookware coated with Teflon offers many advantages: it requires less oil, food doesn’t stick to the cookware, and it helps maintain the aesthetic appearance of fish and meat. However, there are numerous concerns associated with these modern kitchen products.
Non-Stick Cookware That Becomes… Sticky
Non-stick pots and pans, no matter how carefully used (avoiding abrasive cleaning tools, not using metal utensils), deteriorate quickly. After a period of use, the non-stick coating begins to degrade, indicating that it is flaking off, possibly in tiny particles that are invisible to the naked eye. Worse still, large pieces can start to peel off.
In both scenarios, non-stick cookware starts to stick. At this point, the manufacturer recommends that you should not hesitate to dispose of them. This indeed feels wasteful and inconvenient. However, consumers are left uneasy, wondering: where do the unseen particles go if they aren’t mixed in with the food during cooking? And is it harmful if we ingest them along with our meals? This question has been largely answered by scientists across the globe highlighting the risks posed by these non-stick cookware.
Risks from PFOA in Teflon
The compound perfluorooctanoic acid, abbreviated as PFOA, has been found to be one of the components in the production of Teflon, detectable in trace amounts in blood samples across the United States, with levels approaching those that are harmful in laboratory animals. Experiments have shown that mice exposed to high levels of PFOA developed tumors… A report from the Advisory Council of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns: “PFOA is likely a human carcinogen”, prompting the EPA to take appropriate measures.
Advice – The aforementioned toxic fumes can be harmful to humans and pet birds when used in enclosed spaces, especially in colder climates. In our case, modern kitchens are generally well-ventilated, so this risk might be lower. If you notice anything unusual, it’s best to turn off the stove, take the pan outside, and place it on a non-flammable surface to let the toxic gas dissipate. Ensure windows are open for ventilation. – Be cautious with all Teflon-coated items, including clothing and carpets. It is advised not to use Teflon-coated space heaters. Do not leave non-stick pots and pans unattended on the stove as they can overheat and release toxic substances. When they are still cool, they are relatively safe. Once they show signs of wear and the coating is no longer smooth, it’s best to discard them without hesitation. |
Initial studies by the EPA indicate that PFOA causes cancer in mice, but the risk to humans has not been determined. The organ most vulnerable to chemical damage is the liver, and traces of PFOA have also been found in the milk of laboratory mice. Last month, the EPA filed a lawsuit against Dupont for failing to comply with requests for information regarding PFOA.
Meanwhile, Teflon manufacturers assure that there is no PFOA in Teflon coatings at cooking temperatures, as PFOA decomposes during production. They also claim that their testing shows PFOA is not harmful.
Toxic Fumes from Teflon
While the debate over PFOA in Teflon continues, new allegations have emerged from bird owners. Darrel K Styles from the Schubot Exotic Bird Health Center at Texas A&M University has referred to Teflon as a silent “killer.”
Teflon, or more accurately, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), emits toxic gases lethal to birds. This toxicity arises from fumes released during the heating of non-stick cookware. Toxic fumes can also occur when Teflon is used in space heaters, as high temperatures cause the Teflon coating to degrade. While these fumes are not harmful to humans and mammals, they are extremely sensitive to birds and can lead to rapid poisoning.
Previously, Dupont claimed that the coating was stable at high temperatures and did not release any harmful gases or chemicals. However, in a recent press release, it was stated that Teflon coatings significantly decompose when temperatures exceed 660°F (340°C). At 446°F, Teflon emits toxic particulates; at 680°F, Teflon pans release at least six types of toxic gases, including two known carcinogens, two environmental pollutants, and MFA, a chemical lethal at low doses. At destruction temperatures of 1,000°F, the non-stick coating decomposes into a compound that is a chemical weapon PFIB and a substance similar to the nerve agent phosgene.
