Dangers of Teflon Coating for New Car Seats

Desired for its ultra-protective, almost indestructible features, Teflon is established in multiple, everyday applications. Not limited to frying pans, it can be found in an array of products such as stain-resistant clothing, furniture, carpets, pizza boxes and car-seats. Teflon in any form is toxic; parents are urged to switch to car seats which do not contain Teflon to protect their children from its dangers.

Known Carcinogen

• Toxic chemicals cause widespread pollution.

  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claims that Teflon is likely to cause cancer in humans. They have long-urged a Teflon ban and have a signed agreement with chemical manufacturers to eliminate the use of Teflon by 2015. The chemicals in Teflon emit 15 toxic gases -- some of which have the ability to eventually break down in the environment, while others cannot.

Health Concerns

• A specific chemical in Teflon is highly dangerous.

  Of primary concern in the construction of Teflon is a chemical -- which does not break down, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or C8. The EPA has demonstrated that this man-made agent is cancer-causing, destructive to the liver, damaging to the immune system and linked to various other illnesses.

Population Effects

• Detoxing from Teflon toxicity takes time.

  The toxins in Teflon are so prevailing that PFOA has been detected in the majority American children and adults. Avoiding contact with this chemical does not readily eliminate it from the body; it takes 10 years to rid the body of Teflon toxicity.