What Are the Dangers of Teflon Skillets?

Teflon is a DuPont trademark. The chemical composition of Teflon includes a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a known environmental and health hazard. Teflon is used in cookware, utensils, knee replacements and other prosthetics. Teflon skillets and other pans are used extensively around the world. The controversy continues about how cooking with Teflon affects human health.

Teflon Toxicosis

• When Teflon is heated to cooking temperature, gases are released that, when inhaled by humans and pet birds, may offer a health threat according to the Environmental Working Group. The Environmental Working Group reflect the statistics of Cookware Manufacturers Association showing that pet birds die when exposed to the gases emitted by heated Teflon. Leaving a pan of water on the stove to boil dry emits fumes which may cause coughing, choking, difficulties with breathing and other respiratory problems. It has not been determined to what extent the hazard applies to humans.

Birth Defects

• Teflon is a $2 billion a year business.

  ABC News reports an ex-employee of DuPont claimed the chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was responsible for her son's birth defects. The Environmental Working Group states the chemicals used to make Teflon have been found in whales, and the employees of DuPont have been exposed to high levels of the chemicals. No known adverse health effects have been linked to the use of Teflon skillets by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); however, research will continue.

Hazards

• DuPont continues to state the use of Teflon is safe, but it is seeking an alternative to the use of PFOA to make Teflon. The EPA is unsure how the chemical enters the human blood stream. No research is available to show what the health effects are to humans. However, the EPA reports the chemical PFOA is not biodegradable, and it will remain in the environment indefinitely.