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Is Teflon® really harmful?

Kitchen Utensils

PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid, C-8) is a synthetic chemical compound which reveals during production of fluoropolymer nd telomer based consumer products. It only comes out during manufacturing process and does not exist in last products like Teflon® coated pans. A low amount of PFOA found in the environment and sample American citizens' blood count. Results show that this material affects laboratory animals and it is carcinogen. 

EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, invited 8 major fluoropolymer and telomer manufacturers to a program which reduces the emission of PFOA within a time frame. This program had 2 aims:

- To reduce the PFOA emission by 95% according to 2000 base year at the end of 2010 (2010 EPA datas show that this goal has achieved)

- To reduce the PFOA emission to 0% by the end of 2015 

 

Is it dangerous to use nonstick cookware?

FDA, Food and Drug Administration, issued a declaration that reaffirms nonstick fluoropolymer (Teflon®) coatings are safe when used as intended. The following precautions are advisable in order to stay on the safe side:

- Do not overheat kitchen utensils. A pan left on the heat source can easily exceed 360°C which is the temperature limit for harmful gas emission.

- In order to prevent overheat, do not pre-heat the pan. Prefer low or medium heat for cooking.

- Do not leave empty pan on a hot burner or in a hot oven.

- Use wooden or plastic utensils to prevent scratches on the coating.

- Discard the damaged pans.

- Keep birds out of the kitchen. Smoke might be fatal for birds (Even if it is not a Teflon® coated pan).

- Do not store nonstick cookware stacked. If it is required, use paper towels or equivalent.

These easy precautions provide you a healthy cooking experience.