The Dangers of Teflon Coated Cookware
Emerging studies are proving that Teflon-coated metal cooking implements, especially when used at high temperatures, may be leaking toxins into dinner.
The problem is that when the surface gets scratched, tiny amounts of inert plastic and leached aluminum cling to cooked food, with far more toxic results than an extra spoonful of cooking oil. Perhaps more worrisome, though, are the fumes and chemicals released, including highly toxic perfluorochemicals (PFCs/PFOAs) which result when nonstick coatings are heated to high temperatures. Studies by DuPont, the makers of Teflon, show that Teflon offgases particulate at 446°F. At 680°F Teflon pans release at least six toxic gases, including two carcinogens. DuPont acknowledges that the fumes can sicken people, a condition called "polymer fume fever".
A Safe Alternative?
What's the home cook to use instead? Stainless steel is considered a safe option by some, but it's made by bonding layers of stainless steel with aluminum, which, with use, can also leach into food. Generally, glass, Pyrex, ceramic and ceramic-coated cast iron materials are all considered much safer alternatives to non-stick coated pots and pans. Cast iron cookware is a good alternative, as it is cheap, heats evenly and adds iron to the diet.
Collected by : Nandakumar
Labels: Abraham.G draft 10/25/09 by georgekurian
Emerging studies are proving that Teflon-coated metal cooking implements, especially when used at high temperatures, may be leaking toxins into dinner.
The problem is that when the surface gets scratched, tiny amounts of inert plastic and leached aluminum cling to cooked food, with far more toxic results than an extra spoonful of cooking oil. Perhaps more worrisome, though, are the fumes and chemicals released, including highly toxic perfluorochemicals (PFCs/PFOAs) which result when nonstick coatings are heated to high temperatures. Studies by DuPont, the makers of Teflon, show that Teflon offgases particulate at 446°F. At 680°F Teflon pans release at least six toxic gases, including two carcinogens. DuPont acknowledges that the fumes can sicken people, a condition called "polymer fume fever".
A Safe Alternative?
What's the home cook to use instead? Stainless steel is considered a safe option by some, but it's made by bonding layers of stainless steel with aluminum, which, with use, can also leach into food. Generally, glass, Pyrex, ceramic and ceramic-coated cast iron materials are all considered much safer alternatives to non-stick coated pots and pans. Cast iron cookware is a good alternative, as it is cheap, heats evenly and adds iron to the diet.
Collected by : Nandakumar
Labels: Abraham.G draft 10/25/09 by georgekurian
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