I used a non-stick frying pan up until 4 years ago which is when I read a Dr. Mercola article on the dangers of non stick cookware. I had no idea that Teflon or other non-stick coatings were dangerous to our health!
Non-stick cookware has become a norm in our world of ease and convenience, and has been around since 1938. It is actually very hard to find a single frying pan that isn’t non-stick in stores.
Non-stick coatings on cooking pans contain highly poisonous chemical substances and can release very harmful gases and particles when heated during everyday cooking, according to research published by the Environmental Working Group.
What is Dangerous About Teflon and Non-Stick Cookware?
A synthetic chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid, and known as either PFOA or C8, is used in the manufacture of Teflon and non-stick pans.
When Teflon or nonstick pans are heated, the coating can break apart and release toxic particles and gases. DuPont, the manufacturers of Teflon pans, has released data which shows the temperatures required to release these gases. Their results show that:
- Teflon begins to emit gases at around 464°F
- At 680°F Teflon emits up to 6 toxic gases, including 2 carcinogens, 2 global pollutants, and MFA (a chemical deadly to humans at low doses)
A test published by the Environmental Working Group shows that a Teflon pan can easily be heated to above 720°F in five minutes during the normal process of pre-heating. Teflon and non-stick coatings become more harmful the older and more scratched they become.
The Impact of Teflon and Non-Stick Cookware
Although the long term impact of the chemicals and fumes released from Teflon are not fully understood, we do know that they pose a very real danger to birds, and that they can make humans ill.
‘Teflon toxicosis’ is a condition that occurs in birds when they are exposed to the gases released from Teflon. Their lungs hemorrhage, causing them to fill up with fluid which leads to suffocation. Bird owners should never use non-stick cookware or Teflon pans.
‘Polymer fume fever’ is a human reaction to the gases emitted by hot Teflon. Many people experience this condition without realizing it as its symptoms are very similar to influenza. They include fever, chills and nausea. We do not know the long term effects on humans of polymer fume fever or the exposure to Teflon coatings.
Dr. Mercola mentions that other unrelated studies have also found evidence of birth defects in babies from PFOA-exposed workers. In 1981, 2 out of 7 women who worked at a non-stick coating plant gave birth to babies with birth defects. He also mentions that Teflon may cause infertility.
Alternatives to Teflon and Non-Stick Cookware
Rest assured there are plenty of alternatives to Teflon pans and non-stick cookware, and they’ll probably cook your food more effectively too.
A non-stick alternative to Teflon pans is ceramic cookware (Mercola.com has a good brand) which are inert, will last a lifetime, and can easily be washed in the dishwasher. Glass and stainless steel are great alternatives, which are all safe to use.
To your health,
Kim Duess
You Be Healthy
You-Be-Healthy.com
Twitter.com/kimduess
Facebook.com/youbehealthy
References:
http://www.mercola.com/Downloads/bonus/dangers-of-nonstick-cookware/report.aspx
Hi Kim,
Thank you for sharing Dr Mercola's website.He is terrific,I took his free Nutrition type Test ,I added him as a friend on facebook and I read his newsfeed everyday
Hi Kim — I applaud the idea of creating a safer home, and because there’s so much misinformation out there about Teflon, I’m not surprised that you are concerned. I’m a representative of DuPont though, and hope you’ll let me share some information with you and your readers so that everyone can make truly informed decisions.
Regulatory agencies, consumer groups and health associations all have taken a close look at Teflon. This article highlights what they found — the bottom line is that you can use Teflon without worry.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/ki…
I’d truly be glad to share additional information about it if you are interested, and appreciate your consideration of this comment. Cheers, Sara.
Hi ,The biggest issue that we’re concerned about is that these chemicals get stuffed into our fat cells. So we can diet and consume low crabs yet we still don’t lose that extra body fat. Why is that? Well we’ve touched on how resistant that they are before but it needs to be repeated. There’s no way that our bodies metabolism can optimally function with these chemicals in our system. What can we do about it? Honestly, our biggest step is to use non-stick pans. Get away from the Teflon and see if the issues persist.
Carcinogen is a substance which can lead to cancer, so it is very risky to have cookware made from non stick coating of Teflon. Instead we can also using cookware which are coated with Ecolon which is 100 % natural. Neoflam is manufacturing cookwares made from Ecolon.