PTFE is the acronym for polytetrafluoroethylene, a synthetic polymer that is used in non stick coatings on cookware.
Teflon is a name you may be familiar with. It was created in the 1930’s and the benefits are the convenience and it was throught to be healthy, low-fat was to cook as you could cut down on the added oil and butter. down on non-reactive, nonstick surface
When heated to high temperatures, PTFE can release toxic fumes that may be harmful if inhaled. These fumes contain perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), including PFOA, which can have adverse effects on human health.
PFOA, perfluoroctanic acic, is a man-made chemic used in the production of non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics and firefighting foams.
How can PTFE affect health?
Prolonged exposure to the fumes has been associated with fly-like symptoms .
PFOA exposures have been linked to thyroid disease, various cancers and immune system disorders.
The chemical was used with PFOA to produce a product to coat cookware giving a non-stick quality. The product is called Teflon. However due to potential health concerns cookware manufacturers now make PFOA free nonstick cookware,
Non stick cookware alternatives:
- Stainless steel
- Cast-iron
- Stoneware
- Ceramic
- Silicone
Today all teflon products are PFOA free as it hasn’t been used in production since 2013.