Is Your Cookware Poisoning You?
by: Michael Sheridan
For over 40 years scientists have known that the fumes from
hot non-stick surfaces can kill birds such as canaries. So
just how dangerous are they to you?
Several studies have been conducted into health concerns
surrounding Teflon, the coating invented and patented by DuPont.
The results have been disturbing, if somewhat inconclusive.
While the lethal effect on birds is well documented and not
in dispute, much of the other evidence tends to be anecdotal
at best. And some of it is downright confusing.
For example, the chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is
usually cited as the villain of the piece and the root cause
of the illnesses that have allegedly appeared in some users.
However DuPont claims Teflon doesn't contain this chemical,
although it is used in the manufacturing process.
Whatever the truth of that may be, it's certainly accurate
to say that there have been a number of health issues emerging
in the community immediately adjacent to the DuPont factory
in Parkersburg, West Virginia; more about that later.
There also seems to be some disagreement among authorities
as to the temperatures at which the bird-lethal fumes are
given off. These are quoted as ranging from 285°F to 475°
and more.
Since both these figures are well within the smoke points
of edible oils such as avocado and safflower, keeping your
budgie in or near the kitchen is definitely not good for his
health.
But what about your health?
Human victims have complained of flu-like symptoms, some
leading to respiratory complications, after using non-stick
cookware. Some reactions have been reported as "severe"".
At least one report suggests that the fumes may be cancer
inducing after prolonged exposure, although none suggest that
Teflon itself is harmful if swallowed.
If the fumes are harmful to humans, then there is much more
to consider than just kitchen items. Some brands of light
bulb, portable heaters and even Gore Tex clothing are all
produced using PFOA, the same reactive agent used in the case
of Teflon.
Not surprisingly, DuPont denies there is any problem; but
this hasn't prevented the company from paying out millions
of dollars in compensation, not only to their employees but
to 50,000 people living in the vicinity of the Parkersburg
factory. You have to ask yourself "why?".
Complaints have included accusations of water pollution,
high infant mortality rates and a greater than normal incidence
of cancer among the local population. DuPont has never admitted
liability in any of these cases.
While the jury still seems to be out on the safety or otherwise
of Teflon in the home, even DuPont's own experts advise caution
when using non-stick items, particularly with regard to high
cooking temperatures.
And this is something you can rely on: when Teflon and similar
coatings are heated to a certain point, fumes are given off.
These fumes will kill pet birds that inhale them. It's
therefore reasonable to suppose that other forms of life may
also be at risk.
You can get more information on the Teflon debate from this
address http://www.ewg.org/reports/toxicteflon/es.php
For a definitive article on the effects of Teflon fumes on
birds, visit this site http://www.theaviary.com/teflon.shtml
About The Author
Michael Sheridan was formerly head chef of the Pierre Victoire
restaurant in London's West End, specializing in French cuisine.
An Australian, he is a published author on cooking matters
and runs a free membership club and cooking course for busy
home cooks at http://thecoolcook.com.
tingirablue@optusnet.com.au
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