Dangers From Using Teflon Pans?

Kelly
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March 6, 20060 found this helpful

They are definitely dangerous for birds, and others with high sensitivity (asthma) because of the particles breaking off and release of chemicals in the air. My inlaws have an African Grey and Green Amazon Parrots, and their vets warned them to stay away. I know the report is for Teflon brand (same with Goretex and that.) But it only is for the "Coating;" Scan Pan of Switzerland makes a ceramic non-stick BLASTED pan, so you don't get the scraped off material like in other non-stick.

ARE TEFLON PANS SAFE?

Reported and Web Produced by: John Matarese
Updated: 01/27/06 11:42:34

A new EPA rule could mean big changes ahead in the way millions of us cook our dinner.

It's possible that in just a few years, teflon pots and pans could disappear for good!

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DuPont and 7 other companies have agreed to stop using the main chemical in teflon -- PFOA -- because of links to cancer and birth defects.

Kenneth Cook, Environmental Working Group: "It's found in everything from newborn babies to whales in the ocean. Its indestructible, and lasts forever."

So DuPont has agreed to cut 95% of pfoa production in the next 4 years.

But what does that mean here in our kitchens, where more than half of all us households have teflon pans?

The manufacturers hope to find a replacement... So they can continue to make non stick pans.

Now the good news: You don't have to stop using your teflon pots and pans.

The EPA says that these pans are completely safe.... in normal use.

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That's because the EPA says teflon pans do not give off any fumes in everyday cooking.

Only if they are scalded, left empty on a burning hot stove, can chemicals leach out.

So current teflon pans will continue to be sold in stores at least for a few more years.

Bottom line: The government says teflon pans remains safe for everyday use,

And says you can continue to use them until they wear out.

Lynne

March 7, 20060 found this helpful

Teflon can break down and outgas when used over high heat, but seems to be relatively safe when used at lower temperatures. We reserve our teflon pans for making things like omelets and pancakes, which need a non-stick surface to come out properly (unless you use a ton of oil) and which are cooked at lower temps. For high-heat cooking I always use our iron wok or stainless steel Cuisinart pans.

Lynne

March 7, 20060 found this helpful

Oh, and I always use nylon or wood utensils in our Teflon pans, never metal.

Teflon is really the chemical PTFE. PFOA which is known to be a carcinogen is used to make PTFE. So the article is not saying that the existing pans are unsafe (although heaven knows anything is possible), its saying the component of PTFE that us consumers don't normally see is dangerous.