Teflon: a full-fledged "tenant" in the kitchen. Teflon Coating Damage: Your Frying Pan Releases Toxic Gas

Everyone is used to teflon coating on kitchen utensils . Convenient, food does not burn, you can almost not use oil. All is well, but British researchers from the University of Exeter conducted research for 7 years and came to the conclusion that the use of dishes teflon coated harmful for human health.

In addition to British scientists, American scientists were also interested in Teflon.

American federal protection agency environment(EPA) imposed a ban on Teflon-coated frying pans. In the course of laboratory experiments with animals that were injected with large doses of one of the components of the coating, it turned out that these substances were applied harm to health- contributed to the occurrence of liver cancer, low birth weight, caused problems with the immune system and the development process.

- one of the most promoted industrial products, which has found application both in the production kitchen utensils, as well as in the aerospace and textile industries, in the production of heart valves, in electronics and in the manufacture of bags for for. 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 component in the manufacture of non-stick and stain-resistant materials, has been linked to cancer and neonatal 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 still nothing is known about the harmful effects of Pfoa on human health and has not yet been found worthy replacement this chemical component in the production of Teflon, whose sales in 2004 brought them $1 billion. “We have been searching for 30 years, and 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. But still eight enterprises using Teflon agreed to the program: These are 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."

The chemical structure of Teflon

The chemical structure of Teflon is very complex. It is known that teflon is made up of many toxic substances, which from a hot frying pan enter the air and products. The more we heat teflon pan before high temperature, the faster the coating cracks and small particles and volatile substances enter the air. Simultaneously (usually within two years of use), my teflon pans hands or in dishwasher with the help of a strong detergent, this process is only intensifying. Substances released from Teflon are harmful to humans, and minimal doses are lethal to the birds we keep in the house. Even if you have never used teflon pan, there is a high probability that your body has already accumulated a certain amount of emitted by teflon harmful substances because Teflon is widely used outside the household.

Or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a substance similar to plastic. It is used in all "non-sticky" kitchen items, only the quantity is different. Previously it was thought that substances released from teflon cannot get into nature, and if they hit, 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 fission teflon, heat it up. DuPont claims that teflon coating does not crack even at a temperature of 315 degrees, which, according to the company, is much higher than 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 turn, the lowest temperature at which the substances released from the non-sticky coating kill birds is 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, the Teflon pan heats up much more than DuPont specifies.

Scientists at the University of Toronto have stated that Teflon and similar coatings are divided into neurotoxins and gases that cause the greenhouse effect. Teflon used in everyday life when the pan is heated, it releases microscopic particles that enter deep into the lungs and remain there, causing the death of birds, while humans 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 on Teflon production. 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.

How harmful to human health?

Scientific studies have proven that substances released from teflon are very harmful to health, they can cause obesity risk, insulin problems, and thyroid cancer. Besides, teflon threatens at least nine types of cells that regulate the body's immune system. Recently, PTFE has been linked to increased cholesterol and triglycerol levels in humans, changes in brain, liver, and spleen volumes in animals, endocrine disruption, and increased risk of cancer, childlessness, and stunting.

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.

Comment by Associate Professor of the Department of Ecology of the KDPU Tatyana Kozlovskaya.

- Tatyana Fedorovna, what kind of substance is this and why can it be harmful to the body?
— is a polymer. It is believed that Teflon coating is more stable than polyethylene. But if polyethylene twists under the influence of temperature and films are formed, then Teflon simply evaporates. The fact is that teflon breaks down at high temperatures, and a volatile substance, tetrafluoroethane, is formed. And it is toxic because it contains fluorine. That is, when we use Teflon-coated pans, Teflon evaporates imperceptibly, and we breathe its toxic fumes. Therefore, it is not recommended to “scrape” the pan with a knife - it can damage the coating, and air will penetrate there. This will lead to intense degradation of the polymer.
How can this substance affect the body?
- The substance that evaporates from the surface of the Teflon coating is harmful, first of all, to the respiratory system. Immediately from the respiratory system, it enters the bronchi, and then into the lungs. This fluorinated compound, depending on the sensitivity of the human body, can cause various reactions: cough, allergies, bronchitis. In addition, it can enter the circulatory system. Whether this substance leads to oncological diseases, I cannot say. What is the toxicity of this compound and how quickly it is excreted from the body is also difficult to say. technological Teflon specifications are nowhere to be found, this is considered know-how.
Where is Teflon used?
- Now Teflon has found application both in the production of kitchen utensils and in the textile industry, in electronics, in medicine it is used for the production of droppers. In this case, Teflon does not harm human health, since it does not enter into chemical interaction with drugs and is not exposed to high temperatures.
- Should I refuse to buy Teflon pans?
- I doubt that those Teflon pans that are sold with us really contain teflon coating. They won't cost that much. Real Teflon pans cost about a few hundred dollars, because Teflon is difficult and expensive to obtain technologically. But if we talk about real Teflon-coated pans, then personally, as a chemist, the abundance of fluorine in Teflon confuses me, because it cannot be harmless. And food cooked on Teflon has a specific taste.
— Are there studies on products containing Teflon?
— Yes, of course, products don't just go on sale. In Kyiv, there is the Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology, where the goods pass through special laboratories, samples are taken from the batch. But on the other hand, the entire batch cannot be checked, part of the goods still passes by.

Although we cannot completely avoid Teflon, it is possible to forego the purchase of Teflon products in order to reduce harm to your health.

Here are some tips:
- Instead of a Teflon pan or pan, choose from of stainless steel or cast iron enamelware;
- Make sure that there is no Teflon in the composition of the coating and clothing, which will begin to stand out during wear;
- Forget about food fast food, which is packed in dishes with Teflon and paper! Products sold in many supermarkets (eg microwaveable pizzas, popcorn, etc.) are transported and stored in packaging that contains Teflon.
- Do not buy or use cosmetics that contain substances with the name "fluoro", "perfluoro" or PTFE. Compound Teflon can be in face and body lotions, powder, nail polish and shaving cream.

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 would do well to make our home completely free of Teflon-containing substances until there is undeniable evidence that this man-made chemical component is part of Teflon coating does not harm for health.

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Nowadays, Teflon pans are considered especially popular. Unfortunately, some housewives do not even know that such industrial product how teflon negatively affects human health. It should be noted that thanks to the many studies carried out, American scientists have proved that damaged Teflon (and it happens so often) releases substances that are dangerous (toxic and carcinogenic) for the human body. As a rule, such substances are released when Teflon pans are heated. The worst thing is that these substances can not only increase the level of cholesterol in human blood, but also lead to the development of a terrible oncological disease - cancer. By the way, the famous US Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA for short) banned the production of Teflon-coated pans.

More specifically, Teflon is a fairly hyped product, the origin of which people know nothing about. This product has found application not only in the production of kitchen pans, but also in the production of heart valves, the manufacture of popcorn bags designed for microwave ovens, as well as in textile and aerospace industry. On the one hand, this product brings a huge income, but, on the other hand, it negatively affects the health of millions of people around the world. It should be noted that by 2015 the manufacture of any products using Teflon, including kitchen utensils, will be completely prohibited. A healthy alternative to Teflon coating is ceramic or ceramic-coated cookware, which is manufactured in Lately is becoming more and more popular.

What is the harm of Teflon coating? Among the key components used in the manufacture of non-stick pans, one can single out a component that is very often associated with various defects in newborns and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). The worst thing is that PFOA is found in the blood of almost 95% of Americans, including women who are pregnant. modern science studies all the qualities of the presented component in order to minimize its use. Examples negative impact component of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) on human health can be called the birth of William Bailey III (1981) with numerous birth defects. His mother worked at a plant that used PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) extensively.

More specifically, today Teflon contains:
• in kitchen utensils
• in computer chips
• in dental floss
• in furniture
• in shaving foam
• in surgical instruments
• in the clothes of adults, children and even babies
• in light bulbs, etc.

Many people ask, what is the alternative to Teflon-coated dishes today? The answer is very simple! This, of course, is ceramic-coated cookware, which is absolutely safe for human health.

From the frying pan straight to the lungs

If speak about chemical structure Teflon, it is very difficult. It is known that this product consists of many toxic substances, which, after heating the surface, easily enter the air, as well as food. The more often a person heats a Teflon pan to a sufficiently high temperature, the faster the coating cracks, due to which small volatile substances of Teflon enter the air, and then into the human body. The process is greatly enhanced if you wash the Teflon pans daily with a strong detergent in the dishwasher, or by hand.

Teflon manufacturers today pay any compensation to people affected by the toxicity of this product. Among largest manufacturers of the substance presented, DuPont can be singled out, which annually spends about $ 100 million on such compensation. Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that the time has come to return to traditional frying pans with a ceramic (environmentally friendly) coating.

alternative to teflon coating

An alternative to this coating is, of course, a ceramic coating. Most importantly, ceramic-coated cookware does not use perfluorooctanoic acid - PFOA and polytetrafluoroethylene - PTFE, which cannot be said about Teflon-coated cookware. Ceramic coated cookware has excellent non-stick properties. In addition, the ceramic coating has a sufficiently high corrosion, wear and heat resistance, strength. By itself, this coating is chemically inert.

Ceramic tableware

Among distinctive features Cookware with ceramic coating can be distinguished by the following:
• Excellent non-stick properties due to the smoothness of the ceramic
• Saving energy and time in cooking
• Ability to safely fry at high temperatures (up to approx. 450 °C)
• Absolute safety for human health
• Ease of care
• Acceptable prices

Before purchasing new cookware, think about the fact that the purchase does not harm your health. Cookware with ceramic coating is great choice modern housewives who care about the health of their family!

Ecolon non-stick video

Let's continue the story about what modern dishes are like, about what you need to know when buying it, and how to properly care for it so that it lasts a long time. Now our hero is dishes with a polytetrafluoroethylene (polymer or Teflon) coating. We are already used to the fact that in the kitchen she is a full-fledged "tenant". However, not everything is so smooth in the "teflon kingdom". However, let's not get ahead of ourselves - first things first.

The advent of teflon

It was 1938. Roy Plunkett is 27 years old. By this time he was already an educated young man - a chemist. And on a sunny, and maybe cloudy April day, he, due to production needs, experimented - he pumped gaseous tetrafluoroethylene under pressure into special cylinders. It was in New Jersey, USA. He pumped, wiped the sweat from his forehead and left the cylinders to lie down for a while, placing them in containers with solid carbon dioxide (“dry ice”) so that they would not explode.

After some time, the curious Plunkett attached one of the cylinders to the reaction plant and waited, not forgetting to open the valve. However, the gas from the cylinder for some reason did not go. The concerned scientist checked the health of the equipment - everything was normal. There was also no gas leak. As a result, having carefully opened the cylinder, the scientist was surprised to find some white powder in it instead of gas. The same thing happened with the contents of other cylinders. And their walls from the inside were covered with a paraffin-like substance. Symbiosis high pressure and low temperature led to the polymerization of the gas. So by chance, polytetrafluoroethylene was obtained. It turned out that this substance glides perfectly, is able to withstand relatively high temperatures, and besides, it has high level resistance to aggressive chemical environments.

A little over a year later, polytetrafluoroethylene was patented by the American company DuPont. Later, in 1946, products under the brand name Teflon appeared on the market for the first time - this is how the substance discovered by Plunkett was named for commercial use.

In which areas Teflon was not used. It was even used in the manufacture of artificial joints. It is still used today - in electronics, in aviation, in astronautics, in instrument making, it is needed in the production of heating lamps. Teflon coating is even applied to the walls of captive flightless insects - the latter are not able to crawl on it due to low friction. But Teflon, of course, owes its fame to dishes. It began to be produced with a non-stick (Teflon) coating in the early 50s of the last century.

IN modern conditions teflon, if we talk about dishes and in general about kitchen utensils, cover various frying pans (including wok), pots, baking sheets, electric grills, boilers, presses for making hot sandwiches, waffle irons, there are even rolling pins coated with teflon - flour does not stick to them, dough.

Purchasing Teflon cookware and caring for it

Since Teflon is only a coating, Teflon cookware can be different: aluminum, cast iron, stainless steel. The coating may be flat or cellular. In the second case, the heating surface increases, the heat is more evenly distributed. In addition, the internal embossed pattern reduces the area of ​​​​contact between food and dishes - there is less chance that food will burn.

When buying dishes with a Teflon coating (most often these are pans), pay attention to the thickness of the bottom - the thicker it is, the better, within reasonable limits, of course. The thickness of the walls is also important - they should not be too thin either, preferably not thinner than 3 mm. In general, thin frying pans are cheaper, but they also last three to four years. They heat up quickly, and rapid heating is often uneven. This can lead to deformation of the dishes. Frying pans with a cellular bottom have been working as “nurses” for six years, and champion dishes in terms of service life are covered with a rough and rather thick layer of Teflon. Such specimens can, with careful handling, last up to ten years.

Check that the Teflon coating is not damaged. Dishes should be free of dents or bulges. Pay attention to the handle (or handles), to the place of its connection with the "body" of the pan or other utensils: damage to the non-stick coating is often found here.

Manufacturers of Teflon-coated cookware claim that you can cook in it even without oil - the food will not burn. Most often this is true, but the dishes look much more appetizing in the end if you cook them with a small amount of fat (you need much less fat or oil when using Teflon-coated dishes). In addition, it is better for the most "non-stick" dishes.

Until recently, it was believed that when cooking in Teflon-coated dishes, only wooden spatulas should be used. to avoid scratching the coating. In principle, now a wooden spatula tied to Teflon utensils has also not lost its relevance - it will not get worse. But now they produce dishes with a very stable Teflon coating. True, and it costs a little more. It is always better to check with the seller for the characteristics of the purchased Teflon cookware. It is a pity, however, that not all sellers are qualified, not all can really help you. Therefore, you need to buy any dishes in specialized stores. There, in any case, there are less chances to buy a fake, low-quality products.

Caring for "Teflon" dishes is as easy as shelling pears. Usually all dirt is washed off it with a soft sponge, liquid detergent and warm water. After all, food in a good "teflon" does not burn. You can also wash Teflon-coated dishes in the dishwasher, but it is advisable to select the operating mode of the unit, which uses water heated to no more than 50 ° C. Rinse, dry and grease non-stick cookware before first use. a small amount sunflower oil(or boil water in it).

For health?

Heating to more than 200°C is harmful to any Teflon cookware. Thin, as already mentioned, can be deformed, the non-stick coating will crack. Moreover, at high temperatures, Teflon begins to decompose into volatile substances. They can be toxic.

In general, the safety of Teflon for human health is a separate issue. On the Internet, in various forums, you can often stumble upon replicas of such a plan: “The mother-in-law says that you can’t cook food for a child in Teflon-coated dishes, and in general it’s better not to use it. Is it so?". To answer this question, it is worth recalling the forgotten, albeit relatively recent, “Teflon scandal” in the United States.

In 2005, many lawsuits were filed against DuPont by residents of the United States. The investigation was initiated by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The leadership of the “Teflon monster” was accused of hiding from everyone for a long time the information that Teflon, under certain conditions, contributes to the occurrence of cancerous tumors.

There have been many studies and experiments involving animals. As a result, it was found that the Teflon coating, when heated, does emit substances hazardous to health (in particular, perfluorooctanoic acid). Worst of all, these substances tend to accumulate in the environment, including in the organisms of animals and humans. Rats fed PFOS (in large doses) with their food first lost interest in members of the opposite sex, then developed cancer and died. It was then that perfluorooctanoic acid (substance C-8) was recognized as a strong carcinogen.

Despite these results, DuPont management continued to assert that rats are rats, and the ability of acid to cause cancer in humans has not been proven by anyone. True, the company agreed that if you heat Teflon dishes to 360 ° C, then Teflon will begin to melt and at the same time its evaporation is really, to put it mildly, not good for human health. However, the company reminded that the maximum temperature to which a modern electric stove can be heated is no more than 300°C. Therefore, you should not be afraid of any mass poisoning, you just need not overheat the pan.

Russian scientists, commenting on this situation in the midst of the scandal, stated this: “No one will add a poisonous substance to the coating for frying pans, unless, of course, it is some kind of fake. There is home-made vodka, from which people go blind, so in the left frying pan there can be anything, even potassium cyanide". This is how Boris Korolev, who in 2005 was an associate professor at the Department of Macromolecular Compounds of the Faculty of Chemistry of Moscow State University, answered the question of the Novye Izvestia newspaper about the dangers of Teflon. The same edition in standalone non-profit organization"Soyuzexpertiza" of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation reported that "ten years ago we checked Teflon pans and found nothing criminal in them." However, the source of the information wished to remain anonymous.

As a result, in 2007, after several more studies at the insistence of the same Environmental Protection Agency (a very influential organization in the United States), it was decided to limit the production and use of Teflon cookware in the country. The conclusion of the experts, the basis for making this decision, was harsh: “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 process development".

It was also found that among the products of thermal decomposition of Teflon there are a number of highly toxic compounds. These are, for example, perfluoroisobutylene (very toxic), hexafluoroethane, octafluorocyclobutane, tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene and other fluoroolefins, as well as carbonyl fluoride, trifluoroacetic acid and its acid fluoride, hydrogen fluoride and other chemical compounds “useful” for humans.

DuPont had to pay multimillion-dollar compensation to the plaintiffs (it is worth noting that the firm's lawyers decided not to bring the case directly to court - everything was decided "amicably"). In addition, DuPont agreed to completely solve the "perfluorooctanoic acid problem" by 2015. Information about any restrictions on Teflon in Russia could not be found.

Epilogue

"Cooking Eden", in order not to give the impression that Teflon cookware is deadly poisonous and kills everything living within a hundred miles, as soon as you start cooking in it, emphasizes that only overheated Teflon is dangerous! If this is not allowed, there is no reason not to use Teflon dishes (this has been confirmed by numerous studies). It, especially pans, which are most often found in our kitchens, can, for example, be used to heat food, to cook scrambled eggs, to fry potatoes, meat, fish for a short time. It is best to cook in a Teflon-coated pan on gas stoves- they have the most low temperature heating. In any case, do not leave Teflon cookware on the burner for a long time.

Try to cook in Teflon cookware over low heat or at a low power electric stove. Now frying pans and pots are sold with a temperature indicator at the bottom - a thermospot. Changing its brightness (usually a red circle on inside bottom) indicates that the cookware is heating up. When the color becomes saturated - it has already heated up to 180 ° C - it is time to urgently put food and, possibly, reduce the intensity of heating. If you see that the Teflon coating is damaged, throw away such dishes without regret. Subject to these simple rules, Teflon dishes are unlikely to harm your health.

Daniil Golovin

Teflon-coated cookware is very popular today. Almost every family has a Teflon pan in the kitchen.

Non-stick cookware, colloquially Teflon, has become synonymous with healthy cooking. However, recently articles have appeared that under certain circumstances it can be harmful to health. What to believe?

Many exotic bird breeders' manuals warn that Teflon fumes can kill birds. Veterinarians advise removing cages with domestic birds from the kitchen when food is cooked in such dishes. Sounds intimidating. What do health experts say?

Advantages of Teflon cookware

Why is teflon popular? This composition was discovered in 1936 and throughout the time was used primarily as a non-stick coating. Finally, housewives have cookware that prevents food from burning, is easy to care for, and, as a bonus, does not have to pour endless amounts of fat. The application of the miracle coating is gradually expanding and, in addition to pots and pans, it is already being used to finish ovens, deep fryers, toasters and even hair dryers, clothes and carpets. But a few decades ago, experts on healthy eating We talked about risks and harm to health.

Teflon pan: a health hazard

Are you convinced that you can fry in a Teflon pan without using oil? Attention, here lies the biggest craftiness of manufacturers. Overheating an empty pot causes irreversible damage to the surface of the product. At high temperatures and cooking "dry", that is, without fat, the coating can release harmful perfluorooctanoic acid, abbreviated as PFOA.

The recommended temperature for Teflon pans is usually up to 200°C. The usual temperature for oil frying is around 150°C. But when you heat an empty pan, the surface temperature can very quickly exceed 360°C. And this is exactly the point when the harmful acid from the non-stick is released into the air and then into the food you put in the pan.

If there is fat or food in the container, then when heated, they cool the surface, and the danger is not so great. In addition, by the state of the fat or the food being prepared, we know exactly when the temperature is too high - the contents simply burn. So never keep an empty Teflon pan on fire!

Caution: damaged Teflon coating

Cooking time should ideally not exceed five minutes - after that, the temperature should not rise above the recommended limit. In fact, all these compliance warnings thermal regime is in the manufacturer's instructions.

Special attention check the condition of the cover. The slightest mechanical damage will increase the risk of release of harmful substances. Use only wooden or plastic spoons, metal can easily damage the integrity of the surface.

Never use a pan that is scratched or has been used for too long! How do you know when it's time to send your dishes to the trash can? Scratches are easy to spot, and with age, Teflon loses its original color. And of course, it will lose its main property - non-stick. Burnt food will signal this to you.

Choosing Teflon Cookware

When choosing Teflon cookware, follow the proven axiom: "the miser pays twice." In cheap fakes, anything is used as part of the coating, for example epoxy resin. Goods from a reliable manufacturer in a reputable store are always sold with instructions and a warranty receipt.

Today, every housewife must have a Teflon-coated frying pan in her kitchen arsenal, which makes the cooking process very convenient. In dishes with a similar surface, you can not add oil, the food does not stick to the bottom, retaining its natural taste. However, it is important to know if Teflon is safe for cooking and if the coating can cause any harm to health.

Benefits of Teflon cookware

By their own chemical properties the material is similar to plastic, it is more elastic and glides better. The substance has become widespread in many areas of production, it is used in the manufacture paper products, clothing, plastic packaging.

Housewives willingly use Teflon in the kitchen, and there are several reasons for this. The material that covers the bottom of the dishes boasts the following advantages:

Due to its unique characteristics, the coating is indispensable in the most various fields production.

What is dangerous Teflon pan

Unfortunately, the harm of Teflon coating is obvious today. The material is really capable of harming health, especially if it is of poor quality or damaged. Doctors have long sounded the alarm about the rise in popularity of unsafe kitchen utensils. Teflon contains substances that break down when heated, forming toxins. The compounds enter the air and lungs of humans and animals. If toxic secretions are inhaled for a long time, flu-like symptoms may appear, which is why this condition is referred to by medical specialists as Teflon flu.

Cookware manufacturers state that harmful compounds can only be released when heated to maximum temperature. But during the ongoing research, it turned out that the Teflon coating can be on low heat for only 5 minutes, then toxic substances begin to be released, which, with frequent inhalation, are inevitably deposited in human body. Toxins are resistant to excretion. Thus, a single exposure can cause serious health problems. There is an opinion that toxic compounds can provoke cancer and diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Reliable and durable cast iron

It is better not to risk the health of loved ones by using Teflon pans for cooking, the harm of which has been repeatedly proven in independent studies. crockery of dubious quality can replace more safe analogues. A cast iron pan can serve for a very long time without being deformed. The material is strong and durable, the product made from it is an excellent choice. Economical dishes do not need periodic replacement and allow you to no longer worry about the harmful effects.

Sometimes you can come across reviews from hostesses that it is difficult to care for such a pan, but in reality it is enough to rinse it with water, dry it and rub it with any oil. If the dishes are heated to a high temperature, food will not stick to the bottom and walls. Over time, the fat transforms into soot, which serves as a non-stick coating of natural origin.

Environmentally friendly ceramics

A certain popularity among modern housewives enjoys bowl with ceramic bottom, she appeared not so long ago, but has already managed to win the hearts of everyone who is not indifferent to cooking. Ceramics can be safely attributed to environmentally friendly materials, when heated, the material does not emit toxic compounds, food does not stick. However, there is a minus, it consists in a short service life.

Thus, the hostess may prefer Teflon or ceramics. What is better to choose - everyone decides for himself. Both options have advantages and disadvantages.

Rules for choosing a Teflon pan

If you are overwhelmed by the desire to purchase a kitchen product with a non-stick bottom coating, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

• Refuse to buy the cheapest goods, usually these are obvious fakes. The product is better to buy in large mall, there together with the purchase is attached warranty card and instructions for use.
• Before taking the model you like to the checkout, you need to make sure that it is not damaged during transportation. coating is often deformed.
• High-quality dishes will have a temperature indicator; this element is not characteristic of cheap fakes.

Together with the frying pan, you will need to purchase a special wooden spatula, which will not scratch the surface while mixing food. Metal accessories can ruin the fragile coating.

Many housewives are aware of the dangers of using Teflon, but are in no hurry to say goodbye to these kitchen products. It is difficult to refuse a frying pan, which is easy to care for and simple use. Leave a similar copy in your kitchen or replace it with a safer analogue, everyone decides for themselves.

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