Non-stick pan coatings not worth the risk

June 22, 2009At first the advent of the non-stick (Teflon by trademark) pan coating seemed like a blessing for all who cook. No more scraping, soaking, or worst come to worst, tossing out a hopelessly, burned-beyond-repair skillet or saucepan. Think of the time, effort and frustration saved, not to mention the money when a pan was unsalvageable. The kitchen was getting caught up to 20th-Century technology at last. Was that really such a good thing?
Many of us who are culinarily challenged, destroying food on a regular basis as if we were making burnt-offering sacrifices, quickly discovered that Teflon Coating Teflon wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Despite warnings to avoid scouring and use of metal utensils, it became obvious that these methods were still necessary if something was gooey and defied removal by gentle means. Use of hot water also added to the problem of the coating beginning to flake and peel. Once that began, the pan in question would rapidly become just as difficult to clean as its non-coated competitors. In addition there was the greyish flaking material that ended up in food. Was that something to just cover with sauce and shrug off, and hope your mother-in-law didn't find it?

The material used for the Non Stick Coating non-stick coating, perfluorooctanic acid, or PFOA, has been tested and evalutated by the EPA's Scientific Advisory Board, which considers it a "likely carcinogen." Furthermore, studies by the Center for Science in the Public Interest have been done which found that PFOA causes cancer in lab animals. Additionally, the coating has been linked to serious birth defects such as facial deformities. The chemical ammonium perfluorooctanoate, also called "C8", used in the coating, has been found to cause cancer and internal organ damage among other health problems in lab animals subjected to it. This component of Teflon has been found in the blood samples of numerous Americans, including children. Dupont, the makers of Teflon--which is used not only in cookware but stain-resistant clothing, carpeting, upholstery-- have admitted their product is in the bloodstream of countless people but maintain, despite the evidence, there is nothing to worry about. They haven't convinced those who have borne children with birth defects they claim were caused by the product. Among them are some of Dupont's neighbors in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Serious defects have occurred such as abnormal-sized kidneys, eye and nostril defects in children born to mothers with high blood levels of C8. School-aged children (not only in the plant area) have also been tested and found to have high amounts of the chemical in their blood. Can Dupont responsibly ignore such evidence?
Other adverse effects of Teflon products include deaths of pet birds who inhale fumes given off when non-stick cookware is heated. There is also a reaction known as "Teflon flu", of which Dupont admits knowledge. This occurs when the coating is heated above 500 degrees Ceramic Coating Fahrenheit, resulting in flu-like symptoms as a result of inhalation of the fumes. Again, Dupont representatives do not take this seriously.
In 2003, the ABC news show "20/20" made a documentary on the dangers of Teflon. For the article version of that episode, see: