What’s wrong with Teflon pans?
Teflon-coated aluminum contains perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a synthetic chemical used in production that creates a soap-like slipperiness and non-stick finish. 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 extra butter or oil. More frightening however, are the fumes and chemicals released, including highly toxic perfluorochemicals (PFCs/PFOAs) which result when nonstick coatings are heated to high temperatures.
In a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PFOA was detected in close to 98% of the population. While PFOA can come from sources other than Teflon, that’s startling information.
A study reported in 2007, and conducted by the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, showed alarming evidence newborn infants face exposure to PFOA while in the womb.
The research analysis detected PFOA in 100% of the newborns examined.
While PFOA can come from sources other than this and other studies suggest the potential dangers of Teflon.
Though not necessarily related to PFOA has already been implicated in increased instances of cancer in the pancreas, liver, testicles, and mammary glands, as well as miscarriages, thyroid problems, weakened immune systems, and low organ weights.
