What danger is fraught with a Teflon pan, what is the harm of Teflon. Teflon (non-stick) coating and its harmful properties

Every family in our country uses dishes with a Teflon surface, because it is characterized by excellent non-stick properties. Teflon is used to create the top layer working surface utensils used for cooking. Food on such dishes will not burn, and this, in turn, reduces the consumption of vegetable oil.

IN Lately people often began to think about whether the harm of Teflon coating is a myth or is it already an evil of everyday work that has taken root in our kitchen? That is why it is worth figuring out whether Teflon is actually harmful, whether it has such bad properties and whether the food will change its characteristics when heat treatment on this dish.

Teflon coating was invented and used in practice since the 30s of the last century in America. Teflon is the trade name for the material discussed in the article. The present chemical name of this substance is polytetrafluoroethylene. It belongs to the family of plastics. It is a heat-resistant material that can withstand temperatures up to 270 degrees Celsius. It can melt when the temperature reaches the range from 270 to 350 degrees. Teflon, as a material, is inert to acidic and alkaline environments, and is inert to such a vigorous combination as "aqua regia" - a mixture of concentrated hydrochloric and nitric acid.

The scope of Teflon is wide - it can be used for sewing outerwear both for adults and children. As part of clothing, it is responsible for water repellency and airtight characteristics. In the automotive industry, it is found in filters, valves and pumps. Electronic devices use its dielectric characteristics. It can be used in the production of heating appliances, rolling pins, razor blades and conventional corkscrews.

The effect of Teflon on human health

Does Teflon have the harm that they scare us on the Internet or not? The polymer on the basis of which the Teflon coating is made is considered a material that is safe for health. He has been subjected to various studies many times at the request of the World Health Organization. In the course of these studies, results were obtained that getting into human body Teflon in the amount of up to 25% of the total amount of food consumed in no way affects the state of health.

At the same time, the results of studies by scientists from California have the opposite result. They monitored the health status of women during pregnancy. One of the experts drew attention to the fact that in more than half of the participants in the study, perfluorocarbons are in the blood in large quantities. That is, perfluoranes - elements of the Teflon coating - tend to be deposited in the human body.

Is cooking with a Teflon pan unhealthy? After all, it was mentioned above that the material itself is inert. Harm from using a pot or Teflon pan will occur if the temperature rises to a point of 230 degrees. At such a temperature, or due to a violation of the integrity of Teflon, perfluorooctanoic acid begins to be released, which harms the body. Damage to the coating has a greater negative effect. Because of this, acid gets into food even at lower temperatures during cooking.

The acid released from damaged Teflon has attracted the attention of specialists more than once. All of them were unanimous in the fact that in large quantities this product of the chemical industry adversely affects a living organism. The liver, endocrine system and women during pregnancy react especially strongly to them. Women in whom the content of Teflon in the blood was observed in large quantities could not become mothers for a long time, and attempts at instrumental insemination failed.

Perfluorooctanoic acid is one of the strongest mutagens. It can become a trigger for starting the oncological process. The first who drew attention to the harm of Teflon were all the same American scientists. Thanks to their efforts, the industry has reduced the amount of Teflon used in finished devices by several times. However, they refuse to completely abandon its use, since no material with similar characteristics has yet been synthesized or found.

Where is the teflon hiding in the kitchen? Most modern frying pans have a Teflon coating, multicooker bowls do not lag behind them. The heating surfaces of waffle irons or grills can be a source of harm to the body in the form of released perfluorooctanoic acid.

When strongly heated dishes with a Teflon surface harmful substances begin to evaporate into the external space in the form of harmful gases. In humans, they can cause "Teflon fever". After the source of infection has been eliminated, harmful substances remain in the air, on walls and other household items for a long time, continuing to harm the body. People whose work is related to industrial production are at risk of foundry fever.

It has been proven that the use of Teflon coating threatens the normal functioning of nine types of immune system cells that are responsible for the body's response to microbial and viral agents.

PTFE can cause an increase in blood cholesterol levels, and raises the risk of atherosclerosis, negative impact the nervous system is exposed.

How to prevent Teflon fever?

Pets - feathered pets - are especially susceptible to the effects of polytetrafluoroethylene - because their respiratory tract is very sensitive to gases.

Deaths have been reported in the life of birds whose cages were located in the kitchen or in food preparation areas.

Appliances similar to pans and pans are also subject to general rules behavior with teflon coating. After all, it is not in vain that they are equipped with spoons with a plastic or silicone coating.

Such cutlery will prevent the appearance of scratches on the coating - while maintaining non-stick characteristics, but also the excellent well-being of its owner.

If a person is not able to refuse cooking in Teflon-coated dishes, then he should follow certain rules to minimize the negative impact on his body:

• when cooking in such dishes, it is recommended to use plastic or silicone cutlery to avoid damage to the coating;
• if scratches are found on pans or pots, you should immediately stop using them;
• do not heat the pan too much or leave food to “come up” on it;
• when washing such dishes, it is necessary to abandon abrasive detergents and sponges with a hard coating.

Refuse to buy frying pans and other utensils at sales with very low prices. They usually have a very thin coating. Such a surface deforms when heated, and then can easily crack. Cheap cookware has never been better. When buying, always pay attention to the location of the handles. The most common there is a factory defect - damage to the coating.

The choice or refusal to purchase Teflon-coated kitchen utensils is up to each of us. But if damage of any kind is found, you must categorically refuse to use such dishes.

When buying Teflon-coated cookware, preference should be given to those units that have heat-sensitive indicators. They signal that the temperature exceeds the value of 180 degrees.

As an alternative, you can cook food in dishes with an enamel coating, or made from materials that are safe for the body - cast iron and stainless steel. When buying clothes, choose one that is made from natural fabrics.

To maintain health, refuse semi-finished products that are sold in Teflon packaging. Most supermarkets ship and store microwaveable food in packages that have been created with "teflon" carbohydrates.

Teflon coating can make life much easier. But this relief loses its benefits if you pay attention to possible health complications. It is recommended to avoid substances and coatings that contain unhealthy carbohydrates.

The twentieth century gave mankind many unusual discoveries. Many of them have become an integral part of our lives. And polytetrafluoroethylene - bright to that example. "What is it" - you ask? Few people know the real name of the popular Teflon, included in various areas of our life and which has become a real stumbling block for scientists and doctors, as well as the subject of heated scientific disputes. The material, unique in its properties, was discovered on April 6, 1938. And timed to coincide with this date, MedAboutMe will tell you what Teflon is, where it is used, and what its benefits and harms to our health are.

There are many scientific names for Teflon. Polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene polymer, fluoropolymer, fluoroplast-4 ... All this is uninformative for ordinary person, but the word "teflon" is familiar to almost everyone. In fact, this is a trademark of one of the largest American chemical corporations, DuPont. The creator of the material was 27-year-old Roy Plunkett, who worked in one of the future divisions of the world famous chemical giant. Through random experiments, he managed to obtain polymer composition with rare properties, which subsequently gained unprecedented popularity under the name Teflon.

In my own way appearance Teflon resembles polyethylene or paraffin. It is a white or even translucent material, characterized by maximum resistance to low and high temperatures within -70 - +270°С. It was originally used in the production of military radars, but in the early 1960s, DuPont's leading technologists decided to use Teflon as a non-stick coating for cookware. This was a real breakthrough. Kitchen utensils with a perfectly even and smooth finish began to appear in almost every home. And no wonder, because teflon:

• creates a quality non-stick coating, which allows you to cook various dishes with a minimum addition of oil, or even without it at all;
• provides a stylish look of dishes that are pleasant to use and easy to clean;
• allows you to forget about burnt or stuck to the bottom cutlets, steaks and other gastronomic whims.

Polytetrafluoroethylene and other materials based on it are currently used in the chemical, electrical, food and light industries, as well as in instrument and machine building. Teflon has not bypassed the medical field either. Here it is used in the production of joint prostheses, implants, vascular catheters and heart valves. Also some types of surgical instruments are covered with this material.

But, despite such a wide scope, most often we encounter Teflon in everyday life. These are not only dishes and all kinds of cooking devices, but also irons, hair curlers, razor blades and many other things that surround us every day. What can we say, even Teflon-coated toilets already exist today. But is this material so safe that we are so calmly in contact with it?

Controversy about the dangers of Teflon for health and environment have been going on for a long time. According to many experts, polytetrafluoroethylene can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies, cancer and other equally dangerous diseases. The main health hazard is perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which is part of the Teflon coating. Studies conducted back in 2008 showed that exposure to this substance leads to a decrease in testosterone levels in men and an increase in estradiol in women. Such changes in the body turn into depression and a decrease in libido. An increased level of estradiod makes it difficult to ovulate and, accordingly, the onset of pregnancy becomes less likely. Some scientists argue that against the background of constant exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid, malignant tumors in the ovaries and even kidneys can develop.

It is worth noting that talk about the dangers of PFOA has been going on for a long time. The world first heard about it in the 1960s. But this substance was recognized as dangerous in the United States in the late 1990s. From that moment on, the use of the carcinogenic substance began to be limited and over time was completely excluded from the technology for the production of Teflon coating. But, despite all efforts, the absence of perfluorooctanoic acid in the production of DuPont was officially announced only at the beginning of 2012. However, this did not allow to save a person from the harm that this substance can carry. After all, today there are a huge number of manufacturers offering dishes with a non-stick coating made of Teflon. of dubious quality. It should be noted that there are no official documents regulating the so-called purity of polytetrafluoroethylene production in Russia yet.

PFOS, which is a synthetic polymer, is used today in various industries. This is not only dishes with a special non-stick coating, but also clothes, mobile phones, umbrellas and other items that have tightly entered our lives. The substance can accumulate in the human body and the environment. Studies have shown that it is present in various concentrations in the blood of almost all adult Americans. But there is no official confirmation of its toxicity yet. Although experiments conducted on animals have shown the presence of carcinogenic properties of PFOA.

Other studies have also been carried out. In particular, researchers at Johns Holkins University were able to prove that a small concentration of C8 is found in the blood of almost all newborns in the United States. For this, cord blood samples from 300 newborns were studied. And as a result, it turned out that in 298 children who had just been born, perfluorooctanoic acid is already present in the body.

The answer to this question is unequivocal. If the non-stick coating is damaged or the cookware is used under the wrong conditions, it becomes a slow but sure human killer. After all, the harm of Teflon manifests itself when it is significantly heated (more than 220 ° C) or if there is damage on the surface of such a coating. Moreover, a small scratch is enough - and your favorite frying pan or pan will begin to emit harmful fumes when heated.

The harm of such fumes has been proven empirically. True, experiments were carried out on parrots and other birds. Being close to heated Teflon-coated dishes, the birds died instantly, and according to the results of the autopsy, it turned out that the cause of death was the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The results obtained are difficult to transfer to humans, but there are cases when, in humans, toxic fumes released when Teflon is heated affected the respiratory system. But it is worth noting that this happened only with prolonged and close contact with pairs of people in production conditions.

Despite the results of numerous studies, which quite often contradict each other, it is still not worth refusing to use Teflon-coated cookware. To protect your health and fully enjoy the comfort of cooking, you must:

• buy only high-quality kitchen utensils from well-known manufacturers;
• regularly ventilate the kitchen and install a powerful hood over the stove;
• Do not use cookware with a damaged non-stick surface.

In addition, in no case should you overheat the dishes during cooking above 220 ° C. If there are no problems with temperature control when cooking in ovens, it is much more difficult to monitor the degree of heat on the hob. To prevent overheating, make sure that the food does not burn during cooking in the pan. Then you can be sure that the temperature on the surface of the Teflon coating does not exceed 180°C.

On average, the service life of high-quality Teflon cookware is 2-3 years. But this is subject to careful attitude towards her. For such kitchen utensils only soft plastic, silicone and wooden spoons and spatulas can be used. It should be washed by hand with detergents without abrasive particles and soft sponges that do not scratch the inner surface of the products.

I recently read an article that Teflon non-stick coating is extremely harmful to human health. An acquaintance who is engaged in chemistry confirmed that it is so. On the Internet you can find a lot of articles on this topic, for example: here. And here is the corresponding one. I encourage everyone to think about this.

For convenience, here is the text of the article located at the first link:

Teflon. Damage to Teflon Coating.

The US Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned Teflon-coated pans. During laboratory experiments with animals that were injected with large doses of one of the components of the coating, it turned out that these substances contributed to the occurrence of liver cancer, low birth weight of newborns, caused problems with the immune system and the development process.

Teflon is one of the most popular industrial products, which has found use in both kitchen utensils, aerospace, textiles, heart valves, electronics, and microwave popcorn bags. This product brings considerable income. However, manufacturers were told to reduce by 95% the production of PFOA acid (the main component of the non-stick coating) by 2010 and then systematically complete its production by 2015, writes the Italian La Stampa.

PFOA, a key ingredient in non-stick and stain-resistant materials, has been linked to cancer and birth defects in animals. It is found in the blood of 95% of Americans, including pregnant women. It has also been found in the blood of marine organisms and polar bears in the Arctic. The US agency said it will continue to investigate the effect of this component on human health to see if additional measures are needed.

“Science is looking at all the qualities of PFOA, but there are concerns, and therefore minimizing the effects of using this substance is a completely fair decision both from an environmental and human health standpoint,” said Susan Hazen, EPA Deputy Head of Pesticides.

DuPont, one of the companies that received the complaint, said that research conducted by its experts and some independent scientists indicates that pans and other items made from its materials are quite reliable.

In addition, the company emphasized that so far nothing is known about the harmful effects of Pfoa on human health and so far it has not been possible to find worthy replacement this chemical component in the manufacture of Teflon, which generated $1 billion in sales in 2004. “We have been searching for 30 years without success,” the company said.

In the meantime: William Bailey III, born with multiple birth defects in 1981 when his mother Sue worked in a plant that used the substance, sued DuPont seeking compensation for his injuries.

Yet eight Teflon-using companies agreed to the program: 3M/Dyneon Arkema, AGC Chemicals/Asahi Glass, Ciba Specialty Chemicals, Clariant, Daikin and Solvay Solexis.

Observers say the agency's decision is the most aggressive since it banned asbestos 15 years ago. Everyone understands that yesterday's statement is more of a recommendation than a ban. However, experts advise: "Get rid of scratched pans."

And now about where Teflon is used and what are the consequences of its use. Listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most slippery substance, Teflon has ruled the culinary world for 50 years. However, enough evidence has been obtained that the substance that is released from the Teflon coating of the pan during frying is more harmful to human health and nature than DDT! Although Teflon was discovered in the 1930s rather as a result of failure, since its introduction this substance has greatly facilitated our lives. We prefer the presence of Teflon in coatings, clothing, paper products, product packaging fast food, glasses, insulation of electrical wires, and even in the roof of a football stadium due to the waxy slippery coating that repels dirt, grease and water. However, most often we feel the presence of Teflon in the kitchen, because pans and pots are covered with it so that less fat can be used in cooking, and also to make the dishes easier to wash. Teflon is so convenient that no one even seriously asked manufacturers, including DuPont, to prove how safe the use of this substance is.

From the frying pan straight to the lungs.

The chemical structure of Teflon is very complex. It is known that Teflon consists of many toxic substances that get into the air and food from a hot frying pan. The more often we heat the Teflon pan to a high temperature, the faster the coating cracks and small particles and volatile substances enter the air. At the same time (usually within two years of use), wash Teflon pans with your hands or dishwasher with the help of a strong detergent, this process is only intensifying. The substances released from Teflon are harmful to humans, and the minimum doses are lethal to the birds that we keep in the house. Even if you have never used a Teflon pan, there is a high probability that your body has already accumulated a certain amount of substances emitted by Teflon, since Teflon is widely used outside the household.

Teflon or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)- a substance similar to plastic. It is used in all "non-sticky" kitchen items, only the amount is different. Previously, it was believed that substances released from Teflon cannot get into nature, and if they do, they cannot decompose, i.e. remain biologically inert. However, this turned out to be a delusion. It has been proven that these substances accumulate in the human and animal body and in nature. Only two of these almost 100 substances are well studied.

The easiest way to achieve division of Teflon is to glow it. DuPont claims that the Teflon coating does not crack even at 315 degrees, which the company claims is well above the temperature used in cooking, but an independent experiment denies this. The lowest temperature at which Teflon was found to enter the air was 230 degrees. In its turn, lowest temperature, at which the substances released from the non-sticky coating killed the birds - 202 degrees! This proves that toxins can be released at lower temperatures. As a result of an experiment by independent experts of the Environmental Working Group, it was proved that in 2-5 minutes a Teflon pan heats up much more than DuPont indicates. Scientists at the University of Toronto stated that Teflon and coatings similar to it are divided into neurotoxins and gases that cause the greenhouse effect. Teflon, used in everyday life, when a frying pan is heated, releases microscopic particles that enter deep into the lungs and remain there, causing the death of birds, while people develop symptoms of the so-called polymer smoke heat - similar to the symptoms of a serious illness. For the first time such a fever was recorded in 1950 among workers in the production of Teflon. DuPont research has shown that smokers are particularly at risk of this disease, although the company suddenly concluded that Teflon is not harmful to a person if he does not smoke while cooking. In practice, the opposite has been proven, and since 1960, DuPont employees who have to deal with Teflon at temperatures above 204 degrees have been required to wear protective masks.

Impact on human health.

Scientific research have proven that substances released from Teflon can cause the risk of obesity, insulin problems and thyroid cancer. In addition, Teflon threatens at least nine types of cells that regulate the body's immune system. Recently, PTFE has been associated with increased cholesterol and triglycerol levels in humans, changes in brain, liver and spleen volumes are noticeable in animals, while the endocrine system is collapsing, and the risk of cancer, childlessness and developmental delay is increased.

Teflon secretions are especially dangerous for children. Data from the US Environmental Protection Agency shows that DuPont has known since 1981 that mothers pass PTFE to their children and that this can cause facial deformity, which has been proven in animal experiments. In parallel, these substances can get everywhere. Mainly at risk are production workers and those living nearby. In 2001, residents living near a DuPont plant in the UK sued the company for knowingly polluting sewage. This was thought to be the reason for the increased incidence of prostate cancer and interference in women's reproductive functions in the area, as well as the spread of leukemia cases. The court ordered an investment of at least $107 million to reduce the amount of PTFE in sewage and fund research on the effects of these substances on human health. These results could force the company to spend another $235 million on long-term health monitoring projects.

How to save yourself?

Although we cannot completely avoid Teflon, it is possible to refuse to purchase Teflon products. Here are some tips:
- Instead of a Teflon pan or pan, choose from of stainless steel or cast iron, enameled dishes;
- Make sure that there is no Teflon in the composition of the coating and clothing, which will begin to stand out during wear;
- Forget fast food packed in Teflon and paper! Products sold in many supermarkets (for example, intended for microwave oven pizzas, popcorn, etc.) are transported and stored in packaging that contains Teflon.
- Do not buy or use cosmetics that contain substances with "fluoro", "perfluoro" or PTFE in their name. Teflon compounds can be found in face and body lotions, powder, nail polish, and shaving cream.
- Express publicly your attitude to Teflon and products released from it!

While Teflon makes our home life easier, it pales in comparison. negative consequences: possible death pet, diabetes, congenital deformities, and cancer… On a precautionary note, we should be completely free of Teflon-containing substances in our home until DuPont comes up with undeniable evidence that these artificial chemical substances not harmful. If there is no such evidence, it is not difficult to assume that the court can decide against this company.

Teflon is everywhere. It is found in:
- IN constituent parts aircraft, outer skin;
- In acne creams and procedures (eg skin injections);
- In clothes for tourists and recreation, for example. goretex;
- In coatings;
- In the clothes of adults, children and even babies;
- In computer chips;
- In hair straighteners;
- In dental floss;
- In electrical insulation;
- In dishes for fast food;
- In fire extinguishing foam;
- In furniture;
- IN garden supplies and garden furniture;
- In hair dryers;
- In knitwear;
- In paints;
- In kitchen utensils;
- In irons and ironing board covers;
- In leather clothes;
- In light bulbs;
- In suitcases and travel bags;
- In containers used in medicine;
- In nail hardeners and nail polish removers;
- In pesticides;
- In beds for pets;
- In prostheses;
- In shaving foams and jellies;
- In coatings of solar batteries;
- In glasses with non-scratch lenses;
- In stain removers;
- In surgical instruments;
- In umbrellas ...

Non-stick coating: pros and cons

pros Non-stick coatings are inert substances. They are "indifferent" to alkalis and acids, do not react with food, and therefore are absolutely harmless to humans - even if a piece of non-stick coating gets into the digestive tract. Health authorities European countries favor the use of "teflon" cookware.

Minuses Non-stick coatings are based on the plastic polytetra-fluoroethylene (trade name "Teflon"). At high temperatures - from 200 degrees - this polymer decomposes into volatile substances. When the pan overheats, the non-stick coating evaporates. Is it harmful to the human respiratory tract? No such studies are known. But a fact has been established: once four parrots died, inhaling volatile substances from an overheated frying pan, which the hostess forgot on the stove.

Output"Teflon" frying pan does not tolerate high temperatures, and therefore should be cooked on low or medium heat. It is difficult to determine by eye that the dishes have heated up to the "correct" temperature, so they began to produce frying pans with a heat-sensitive indicator (thermospot). A change in the brightness of the red circle in the center of the inner bottom indicates that the pan has reached 180 degrees and it is time to load food immediately, while continuing to monitor the temperature.

Teflon-coated cookware can now be seen in every family. No wonder, because it has excellent non-stick properties. Teflon is applied as a top layer to utensils used for cooking. Thanks to this material, food does not burn, there is no need to use a large number of vegetable oil.

But over the past decades, articles and reviews on the Internet about the dangers of Teflon have become increasingly common. In this regard, it is worth understanding - what kind of substance is Teflon, why is it dangerous, can they be poisoned when cooking in dishes with this non-stick coating, what harm does it do?

What is teflon

Teflon was invented in the 1930s by an American scientist. In the 1940s, it was patented by the American firm DuPont. "Teflon" is a brand name. The real name of the substance is polytetrafluoroethylene. In Russia, this material is called - fluoroplast.

Teflon is a plastic. This heat-resistant material can withstand up to +270 °C. It begins to melt at a temperature of 270 to 350 °C. Teflon is not affected by most acids and alkalis, and is even resistant to a mixture such as aqua regia.

Where is Teflon used? Its scope is not limited to kitchen utensils. Teflon can be found in outerwear, including children's. It is used to make fabrics water-repellent and airtight. In the production of automobiles and machinery, Teflon is used as part of valves, pumps, filters. It is part of the hydraulic systems with high pressure in the aviation industry. In electronics, Teflon is used as a dielectric. Medical implants are also made using fluoroplast (Teflon). Heating appliances, iron surfaces, razor blades, boilers, stove burners, toilet bowls, rolling pins, corkscrews may also contain this material.

Is Teflon harmful to humans?

Is Teflon harmful? The polymer from which Teflon is made is in itself inert and until some time it was considered harmless. Teflon has been tested many times by order of the WHO. It has been proven that the ingestion of Teflon in an amount of up to 25% of the total food intake does not harm human health in any way. But a study conducted by California scientists disproved this fact. They monitored the pregnancy of 1240 Danish women. One of the professors drew attention to the presence of perfluorocarbons in the blood of many of them. This meant that perftoran, and more specifically perfluorooctanoic acid contained in Teflon coatings, could accumulate in the body.

Why is Teflon harmful? - after all, it was said above that the material is inert. Harmful effects occur if the cookware is heated to a temperature of 230 °C or the integrity of the Teflon surface is broken, that is, the coating is damaged, for example, scratched. In this case, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is released, which is toxic to the body and harmful to health. Damaged Teflon can also release PFOA at lower temperatures.

Perfluorooctanoic acid has repeatedly attracted the attention of researchers. And the unequivocal harmful effect of this substance in large doses on living organisms has been proven. Especially PFOA poisoning affects the liver, hormonal glands, reproductive system, fruit. And, indeed, women who have high level polytetrafluoroethylene in the blood, for a long time could not get pregnant, and IVF (in vitro fertilization) attempts ended in failure. Diabetes, thyroid cancer, obesity can be the result of PFOA poisoning. The immune system is also very sensitive to PFOS, which can damage most types of defense cells.

Perfluorooctanoic acid is a strong mutagen. She is able to evoke cancer cells. Its influence on the occurrence of cancer of the prostate, female genital organs, and leukemia has been proven.

For the first time, the American Environmental Working Group sounded the alarm about the dangers of Teflon coating. It also conducted research and eventually forced the US Department of Environmental Protection (EPA) to recognize the harm of this substance. As a result, EPA instructed manufacturers of non-stick cookware to reduce the use of PFOA in production by 95% by 2010, and by 2015 by 100%. But why do we still see pans with a harmful Teflon coating on the market? This is because DuPont has stated that it cannot find an absolute analogue of Teflon in terms of properties. They claim that the search is ongoing.

Is Teflon on cookware harmful?

What kitchen utensils can be coated with Teflon?

1. Pans in most cases have a Teflon coating.
2. Multicookers have bowls, inner surface which are coated with Teflon.
3. Pots and pans can also be coated with this material.
4. The heating surfaces of an electric grill, boilers, press devices such as waffle irons, or a sandwich maker are most likely coated with Teflon.
5. Applying Teflon to the rolling pins does not pursue non-stick purposes. In this case, it is needed to create an anti-stick surface.

Is the Teflon coating on the pan harmful? The use of a Teflon-coated pan is harmful under the following conditions:

• heating the pan over 230 ° C;
• using a frying pan with a damaged coating.

When the pan is very hot, polytetrafluoroethylene will begin to be released in the form of a volatile gas of perfluoroisobutylene. In humans, it causes "teflon" fever. Even if the source is eliminated, this substance can stay on the surfaces of the room for a long time, especially on carpets, walls, flat surfaces, gradually poisoning our body. Foundry fever is rare when using Teflon utensils. This disease is more typical for people working in its production.

The released polytetrafluoroethylene can cause Negative influence on feathered pets, such as canaries or parrots, as their respiratory system is very sensitive to harmful gases. There are known cases of death of birds in the vicinity of a frying pan that emits polytetrafluoroethylene.

Is Teflon coating harmful in a multicooker and other similar appliances? The same rules apply here as with frying pans. No wonder most multicookers come with plastic or silicone spoons. They prevent the coating of the bowl from damage and thus preserve not only its non-stick properties, but also the health of its owner.

How to Avoid Teflon Poisoning

If an alternative replacement for Teflon-coated dishes is not found, some rules should be followed so that the operation of such items is most harmless.

Do not buy frying pans at the lowest prices. As a rule, they are very thin and can deform when heated, and the Teflon layer may crack. In addition, cheap dishes most often do not differ high quality. Be sure to check the location of the handle. It is there that a manufacturing defect is possible in the form of damage to the Teflon.

Whether or not to buy Teflon-coated kitchen items is everyone's business. But if there is damage to the Teflon layer, then such dishes should definitely not be used. While Teflon companies and environmental societies argue with each other, the average consumer needs to find their own alternatives or observe simple rules for the operation of such dishes.

The pan should not be overheated, you need to cook on low or medium heat. It is preferable to use a frying pan with a heat-sensitive indicator. It signals that the pan has heated up to 180 ° C. Do not damage Teflon-coated cookware, and if scratches appear, replace it immediately. Even if you refuse to use Teflon-coated dishes, this material will still be present in everyday life or in the surrounding air.

This article may not be entirely on the topic of the blog, but it applies to almost every housewife and mommy: we will talk about the dangers of teflon dishes.

Our age is characterized by many extraordinary discoveries concerning the most diverse branches of human life. These inventions are often very useful and surprising, delight the inhabitants of the planet with their uniqueness and genius, simplify our life and save us from thousands of troubles. This is how a variety of nutritional supplements were invented, the properties of which we admired not so long ago, and now we are carefully looking at the composition of products in the store so as not to buy something that is harmful to health.

Teflon in our life

We already know that many foods and even children's toys can contain harmful toxic substances, and if we wish, we can isolate ourselves from them. Do mothers know how harmful Teflon is?

Perhaps some people know, but thousands of women, bribed by advertising, use Teflon-coated utensils every day in cooking, unaware of the dangers and risks that they carry.

Recently I started to notice the appearance of soot on outside frying pan and a little inside, I decided to clean it. For the “correct” method of cleaning Teflon dishes, of course, I turned to the Internet. The first thing I read was warnings about the enormous harm that Teflon bears when utensils with a thin layer of this material are used incorrectly and incorrectly. Of course, I also found tips on cleaning Teflon dishes from burning, but first I decided to ask independent sources what Teflon is and what is its danger.

What is teflon

In most cases, Wikipedia can be considered an independent and fairly competent source. I will publish here the most necessary, interesting, and obligatory for the knowledge of every hostess-owner of Teflon dishes, and all the others who use it or plan to purchase it:

Teflon - or polytetrafluoroethylene or fluoroplast-4 - plastic with rare physical and chemical properties and widely used in technology and in everyday life.

Physical properties

Teflon - white, in thin layer a transparent substance resembling paraffin or polyethylene in appearance. Density according to GOST 10007-80 from 2.18 to 2.21 g/cm3. It has high heat and frost resistance, remains flexible and elastic at temperatures from -70 to +270 °C, excellent insulating material. Teflon has very low surface tension and adhesion and is not wetted by water, grease or most organic solvents.

Chemical properties

Its chemical resistance exceeds all known synthetic materials and precious metals. Does not collapse under the influence of alkalis, acids and even a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids. Destroyed by melts alkali metals, fluorine and chlorine trifluoride.

Due to its low adhesion, non-wetting and heat resistance, Teflon in the form of a coating is widely used for the manufacture of extrusion molds and baking dishes, as well as pans and pots.

It should be noted that when heated above 300 degrees Celsius, Teflon releases toxic and carcinogenic compounds. However, if there is oil or water in the dishes that prevent the temperature from rising above their boiling point, teflon is relatively safe.

Teflon coated cookware care

The Teflon coating does not have great strength, therefore, when cooking in such dishes use only soft - wooden, plastic or plastic-coated - accessories(shovels and ladles, etc.). Teflon-coated dishes should be washed in warm water with a soft sponge, with the addition of liquid detergent, without the use of abrasive sponges or cleaning pastes.

The Danger of Teflon

The polymer itself is very stable and inert under normal conditions. However, when heated above 200 °C, polytetrafluoroethylene begins to decompose with the formation of toxic products. In addition, during the production and degradation of the polymer, the formation of perfluorooctanoic acid is possible, which is still used in the production of Teflon coatings.

However, in January 2006 DuPont, the only U.S. manufacturer of PFOA, has agreed to remove residual reagent from its facilities through 2015, although it has not committed to eliminating its use entirely.

Recently, Teflon has been associated with an increase in cholesterol and triglycerides in humans, in animals there are changes in the volumes of the brain, liver and spleen, while the endocrine system is collapsing, the risk of cancer, childlessness and developmental delay is increased. It has been proven that C-8, entering the body of laboratory rats, causes malignant tumors in them, can lead to mutations in offspring and disorders of the immune system. Scientific studies have shown that substances released from Teflon can increase the risk of obesity, insulin problems, and thyroid cancer. In addition, Teflon threatens at least nine types of cells that affect the functioning of the immune system.

This is how, without undue emotions, the main properties of this widely used substance in everyday life are clearly characterized on the pages of the best Internet encyclopedia. Wash enough capacious and informative. On the pages wikipedia The positive qualities of Teflon are also described, but they do not relate to its use in cooking.

Previously, I knew absolutely nothing about these properties of Teflon, and such characteristics of it puzzled me - no one warned about this, and also about the strict observance of the rules for using such dishes. For two years of cooking in a Teflon frying pan, you will obviously use an iron spatula, a fork more than once, or rub it harder with a sponge when washing.

I am not going to dissuade anyone or agitate "for" or "against" Teflon. I just want you to soberly assess the quality of this cookware, not only based on information from commercials.

If you are still going to use such dishes further, never neglect the rules for caring for them. After all, Teflon has been used in everyday life not so long ago, and so many of its extremely harmful properties have already been proven. human health and the environment.

If you are against such a risk, then an ordinary cast iron pan will become an acceptable analogue of a fashionable Teflon pan or pan.

Scientific and technological progress contributes to the invention of a huge number of new interesting useful, but often very harmful gizmos. When shopping, you should remember that every innovation can be fraught with danger or risk.

Be careful, vigilant and prudent, and do not run to the store for everything that advertising dictates to us!

What to choose: Teflon or cast iron skillet