Mangalore : Many people would say Teflon is a modern day “convenience”. Cookware coated with Teflon makes cooking and cleaning up much easier. In fact, for the past fifty years, DuPont has made a significant amount of money by making non-stick surfaces common in the market place. There’s just one problem – teflon is toxic and can make you sick! (details below)
1.Non-stick cookware may cause cancer:
The non-stick coating, used in Dupont Teflon pans, has been found to release one or more (up to 15) different toxic gases when heated to high temperatures. Did you know that non-sick cookware is made with a chemical known as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which has been labeled carcinogenic by a scientific review panel that advises the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This is a chemical that is being used in many household products from cookware, coated paper plates and even microwave popcorn bags. The side effects have been known for a long time, and one of the most written about is its effects on pet birds.
2. Why are house (pet) birds dying?
The out gassing of heated cookware has been fatal to pet birds and (in humans) it creates flu-like symptoms of chills, headache, fever and nausea. In humans, the symptoms subside in a few days and chances are many people who have experienced sickness – attributed it to a short bout with a virus.
3.Beware of high-heat cooking:
The more serious side effect from Teflon and other non-stick pans come from the perflurooctanoic acid that is released at high temperatures. Naturally, Dupont denies there is any danger in using their product with high heat. (are you surprised?)
However, in studies of heated non-stick pans on conventional stove tops – commissioned by the consumer watchdog organization Environmental Working Group (EWG) – it only took two to five minutes to reach temperatures that can release dangerous toxins.
4.Think twice BEFORE buying any product:
In April 2003, the Environmental Working Group filed a petition with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take action against Dupont for what was classified as an 18-year cover-up regarding the dangers of Teflon”s chemical – PFOA. In response to the EWG findings, DuPont was fined 16.5 million dollars for failing to report the dangers of this chemical.
Studies showed that Dupont was polluting drinking water and presented a very real danger to pregnant women and the baby’s they were caring. Research at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md. linked this chemical to low birth rates, while other studies found it caused unusual birth defects.
5.Toxic (cookware) gases can threaten hormonal balance :
A recent study has shown a link between thyroid disease, cancer and Teflon. The study was published in the journal Environmental, which is affiliated with the National Institutes of Health, and reported that people with high levels of PFOA, were more likely to develop thyroid problems, as well as various types of cancers.
Dupont’s own scientists have said that the product will release fumes that can cause flu-like symptoms in cases of overheating at 662 degrees fahrenheit – a temperature that can easily be exceeded when a pan is either preheated on a burner, placed beneath a broiler or in a self-cleaning oven.
6.The worst issue behind Teflon pots and pans:
As careful as we try to be – Teflon pots and pans can easily get scratched at some point. In fact, the truth is many people tend to use battered and scratched Teflon cookware. Teflon is usually used to cover aluminum which in itself is a dangerous metal – implicated in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
The best way to protect you and your family is to use cookware made from: ceramic, stainless steel or glass. If you know anyone cooking with Teflon pots and pans – PLEASE share this article and help save a life.
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