Can i eat teflon

While there seems to be a lack of consensus on the dangers of Teflon in food and other materials, most studies point out that the health risks associated with PTFE remain relatively small. As an inert chemical not active or reactive , PTFE will just travel through your system without being absorbed.

The most common side effect comes from inhaling some of the PTFE fumes that are produced at very high heat. Individuals have reported an illness resembling the flu, with symptoms including tightening of the chest, mild coughing, nausea, and sweats it's called polymer fume fever, and it's rare. The chemical in non-stick pans that many have expressed concern about is called perfluorooctanoic acid PFOA.

This is a synthetic chemical that was used in small amounts to create PTFE. The U. People are more likely exposed to PFOA from other sources such as foods, stain resistant fabrics, and water.

To keep your non-stick cookware in its best shape, try opting for wooden or plastic utensils instead of sharp, metal utensils which may scratch the non-stick coating, causing it to flake more and reducing its non-stick powers.

Generally, Teflon flu resolves on its own, however, exposure to PTFE toxins resulting from heating Teflon-coated cookware to degrees Fahrenheit or more may result in acute lung injury. Exposure to the fumes released by overheated PTFE also poses the risk of causing pulmonary edema. A condition caused when excess fluid collects in the lungs, pulmonary edema makes it difficult to breath and, in some cases, can be fatal.

Most of what is known about polymer fume fever relates to acute exposure. Research regarding the hazards and health effects of long-term exposure to PTFE fumes is limited. While the potential for exposure to harmful chemicals exists with the use of Teflon cookware, taking certain precautions may allow people to safely use nonstick pots and pans.

To help minimize their risk of PTFE fume exposure, people refrain from preheating empty pans, as they can reach dangerous temperatures within minutes, and avoid cooking on high heat. It is also important to ensure proper ventilation in the kitchen when cooking, using fans or opening windows can help clear out hazardous fumes. Although the health risks posed by ingesting particles of Teflon, such as might flake or scrape off a pan, are minimal, it is recommended for people to take steps to maintain the integrity of the nonstick surfaces of their cookware.

Therefore, people with Teflon pots and pans are advised to use wooden, plastic, or silicone utensils when cooking. Metal utensils can cause scuffs and scratches. It is also helpful to hand wash nonstick cookware using warm, soapy water and a sponge; as opposed to using the dishwasher or steel wool or scouring pads. Aged cookware or pots and pans that have excessive scratches or peeling should be replaced. When a Teflon skillet overheats and produces fumes, it may be fatal to pet birds. The use of plastic or wooden utensils helps protect the Teflon coating from scratches.

Never use abrasive cleansers or scouring pads to clean nonstick cookware. Kim Dieter has taught agriscience classes, developed curriculum and participated in the school accreditation process at the secondary and community college levels since Home Guides Garden Pest Control. By Kim Dieter Updated December 29,