Teflon, a substance widely used in cookware and found on many non-stick surfaces, has been shown to be toxic at high levels. The potentially harmful effects of Teflon have led many countries to ban the substance for use in consumer products.

Is Teflon still used in cookware?

Teflon is still used in cookware, but the substance has been banned in countries such as France, Belgium , Finland and Denmark. In Canada, however, the substance is still permitted for use in consumer products such as pans and cookware if it contains no more than 0.5 % Teflon.

Why was Teflon banned in some countries?

Soon after the introduction of Teflon, it became clear that the substance was potentially harmful to human health. Lead, a known carcinogen , caused long term damage to humans when exposed at levels exceeding 0.1 parts per million (ppm). Studies conducted on rats and humans exposed to Teflon at higher than normal levels resulted in a range of symptoms including skin irritation, neurological effects, liver and kidney damage and DNA damage .

In 1995, a meta-analysis by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) confirmed that exposure to Teflon caused chronic toxicity in all tested animal species (rats, mice, and nonhuman primates).

The results of the study showed that high exposure to Teflon caused liver and kidney damage as well as neurotoxicity in the brain . These findings suggested that long term exposure to Teflon was potentially harmful to humans. This finally lead to it’s ban in some countries.

How is Teflon regulated?

In countries where Teflon was deemed unsafe for use in cookware, the substance was completely banned from use in consumer products. In Canada, however, the substance is allowed for use in consumer products if it contains less than 0.5 % of Teflon. As a result, products containing more than 0.5 % of Teflon are labelled as ‘Industrial Products’ and cannot be sold to consumers without a license from Health Canada.

What is the best alternative to Teflon?

For people who still wish to use non-stick pans, the best alternative to Teflon is PTFE. PTFE, is not harmful to human health and is completely non-toxic compared to Teflon. It is also more environmentally friendly as it does not release hazardous waste into the air or water.

What is PTFE?

PTFE is a type of fluoropolymer. This substance has very similar properties to Teflon. It remains solid at high temperatures (over 260 °C) and does not allow organic materials to cling to its surface when used in cookware.

Is PTFE safe?

PTFE has few known side effects and does not pose a threat when used as intended, although it will begin to degrade at temperatures above 260 °C . In general, PTFE is a much safer alternative to Teflon.

What are some alternatives to PTFE?

In addition to PTFE, there are many other substances that are considered safe for use as non-stick coatings in cookware. Some people choose anodized aluminum , cast iron or stainless steel pans and cookware. While these do not provide the same level of non-stick properties as Teflon or PTFE, they do not pose any health risks when used as intended. And if you season cast iron or stainless steel, then you will get good non-stick properties.

Is Teflon still made with C8?

Before 2002, Teflon was made with C8. However, after increasing health concerns about the chemical, its manufacturer DuPont petitioned for the right to add another material called C6 to Teflon. The addition of C6 was approved by U.S. regulators and is still used in Teflon today .

What did DuPont do wrong?

Recently, it was revealed that DuPont and 3M had known about the dangers associated with Teflon back in 1977, when they engaged in a chemical battle over who controls the market. DuPont’s product was ruled unsafe for food contact by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) because it was found to cause cancerous tumors in lab rats after prolonged exposure.

In response to the findings, DuPont released a statement that, “the DuPont Company has no knowledge of any health problems in people caused by the use of Teflon-coated products. While there have been studies on Teflon in laboratory animals, we believe it is premature to assume that these results may be directly applicable to humans.”