Are Teflon non-stick pans safe to use?

Nonstick cookware, such as skillets and pans, have been coated with a material called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon. Teflon is a synthetic chemical made of carbon and fluorine atoms.

First manufactured in the 1930s, it provides a non-reactive, non-stick and virtually friction-free surface.

The non-stick surface makes Teflon-coated cookware convenient to use and easy to clean. It also requires very little oil or butter, making it a healthy way to cook and fry food.

Teflon has many other applications. It is also used in the manufacture of wire and cable coatings, fabric and carpet protectants, and waterproof fabrics for outdoor clothing such as raincoats. However, over the past decade, the safety of nonstick pans has been under investigation.

Concerns center on a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which was previously used in the production of nonstick cookware but is no longer used today.

The investigation also looked into the risks associated with Teflon overheating.

Today, all Teflon products are PFOA-free. Therefore, the health effects of PFOA exposure are no longer a concern. However, until 2013, PFOA was used in the production of Teflon.

While most of the PFOA on the pan is typically burned off at high temperatures during the manufacturing process, a small amount remains in the final product. Nonetheless, the study found that Teflon cookware was not a significant source of PFOA exposure.

PFOA has been linked to many health conditions, including thyroid disease, chronic kidney disease, liver disease and testicular cancer. It has also been linked to infertility and low birth weight.

What's more, it was found in the blood of more than 98 percent of people who participated in the 1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) PFOA Stewardship Program, launched in 2006, promotes the elimination of PFOA from Teflon products.

The program involves eight leading PFOA companies, including Teflon manufacturers, and aims to reduce the health and environmental risks associated with PFOA exposure by eliminating its use and emissions by 2015.

All companies met the program targets, so all Teflon products, including non-stick cookware, have been PFOA-free since 2013.

Generally speaking, Teflon is a safe and stable compound. However, at temperatures above 570°F (300°C), the Teflon coating on nonstick cookware begins to break down, releasing toxic chemicals into the air.

Inhaling these fumes can cause polymer fume fever, also known as Teflon flu.

Polymer smoke fever includes temporary flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, headache, and body aches. Onset occurs 4-10 hours after exposure and usually resolves within 12-48 hours. A few case studies have also reported more serious side effects of exposure to superheated Teflon, including lung damage. However, in all reported cases, individuals were exposed to fumes from overcooked Teflon cookware at extreme temperatures of at least 730°F (390°C) for extended periods of at least four hours. While the health effects of overheated Teflon can be serious, using common-sense cooking methods can help you avoid exposure.

Cooking with nonstick pans is safe, healthy and convenient if you follow basic safety precautions.

By following these tips, you can minimize your risks while cooking:

• Do not preheat empty pots: Empty pots will reach high temperatures within a few minutes, possibly causing the release of polymer fumes. Make sure there is some food or liquid in the pots and pans before preheating.
• Avoid high-heat cooking: Cook over medium or low heat and avoid grilling, as this cooking technique requires higher temperatures than recommended for nonstick cookware.
• Ventilate the kitchen: While cooking, turn on an exhaust fan or open a window to help remove fumes.
• Use wooden, silicone or plastic utensils: Metal utensils can cause scuffs and scratches on nonstick surfaces, shortening the life of your cookware.
• Hand Wash: Gently wash pots and pans with a sponge and soapy warm water. Avoid using steel wool or scouring pads as they can scratch the surface.
• Replace old cookware: When the Teflon coating begins to noticeably deteriorate and exhibits excessive scratches, peeling, flaking, and chipping, it's time to replace it.

Modern nonstick cookware is generally considered safe. However, if you are still concerned about any potential health effects, you can try alternatives. Here are some great Teflon-free alternatives:

• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is great for sautéing and browning food. It's durable and scratch-resistant. It's also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
• Cast Iron Cookware: Cast iron is naturally nonstick if seasoned properly. It also lasts a long time and can withstand temperatures well above what nonstick pots and pans are considered safe for.
• Stoneware: Stoneware has been used for thousands of years. It heats evenly and doesn't stick when seasoned. It is also scratch resistant and can be heated to very high temperatures.
• Ceramic Cookware: Ceramic cookware is a relatively new product. It has excellent non-stick properties, but the coating can be easily scratched.
• Silicone Cookware: Silicone is a synthetic rubber used primarily in bakeware and kitchen utensils. It does not withstand direct heat well, so it is best suited for baking.

Nonstick cookware can be found in many kitchens around the world.

The nonstick coating is made from a chemical called PTFE (also known as Teflon), which makes cooking and cleaning quick and easy.

Health agencies have expressed concerns about PFOA, a compound previously used to make Teflon. However, Teflon has been PFOA-free since 2013.

Today's nonstick pans and Teflon cookware are completely safe for ordinary home cooking as long as the temperature does not exceed 570°F (300°C).

Therefore, you can use nonstick cookware on a stovetop over low to medium heat, but don't use it on maximum heat or use a hotter cooking method like grilling.

Ultimately, Teflon cookware is a healthy and convenient way to cook and is safe for everyday use.