Be Careful How you use Teflon Pans
We sometimes get left in the dark when it comes to health hazards and Teflon-coated pans are cause for concern.
21/10/2021
Never use metal utensils or cutlery on Telfon-Coated cookware.
Should you use Teflon-coated or non-stick pans if they are scratched or damaged? The answer to this is a most definite NO. It is amazing that we know about using non-stick Teflon-coated pans and how nothing sticks to them, but what they don't tell us is that we should NEVER use these pans again if they are scratched or damaged. Why? Let's take a closer look at this topic.
What is Teflon Coating?
The coating on non-stick cookware is commonly known as Teflon and we have come to know that this product ensure that pans are non-stick. What they haven't told us about Teflon coating is that cookware should never be used if the Teflon coating is damaged, and for good reason. The Teflon itself is not the problem and is quite harmless but not the chemicals used in the process or coating with Teflon.
Is Teflon-Coating Harmful?
When the Teflon coating is applied, so is PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic acid, is a chemical compound used in the manufacturing process when coating cookware with Teflon, particularly in those countries exporting cheaper alternatives. This chemical has been scientifically linked to thyroid disease and cancer. And if that isn't alarming enough, you also need to worry about overheating a Teflon-coated pan, because as Teflon breaks down under high heat it releases toxic gases that can bring on shortness of breath and high fever and these fumes are toxic to your pets, particularly birds.
Once a Teflon-coated pan or cookware is scratched you should replace this immediately and not use for cooking.
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While the evidence of research suggests that PFOA is carcinogenic there is no solid evidence linking this with the use of non-stick or Teflon surfaces. What you need to determine when purchasing non-stick cookware is that the cookware purchased is manufactured in countries that regulate the use of PFOAs in the manufacturing process. In other words, do not settle on cheaper alternatives that may or may not be harmful to you and your family.
If in doubt - toss it out!
References:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/teflon-and-perfluorooctanoic-acid-pfoa.html
https://www.livescience.com/are-nonstick-pans-toxic.html
https://www.tefal.co.uk/Guide_HealthEnvironment
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/features/teflon-pans