Why You Should Be Concerned About Teflon

The potentially toxic chemicals in non stick products are perfluorochemicals, which use the elements fluorine and carbon to make non-stick and stain-resistant coatings. Perfluorochemicals have a molecular structure that prevents them from binding with water or oil, which is why they are so useful in numerous consumer items – but there’s a catch!

Scientists are now focusing on two members of this chemical family for potential toxicity: perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA for short, and perfluorooctanyl sulfonate, (PFOS). The chemicals have been used to make some of the world's most famous brand names, including Teflon and Scotchgard. They can be found in such items as non stick cookware, water or stain resistant clothing and carpets, some fast-food wrappers (which resist grease), pizza boxes, microwave popcorn containers, nail polishes and shaving cream.

DuPont Co. said its Teflon frying pans and other kitchenware are safe if used properly (at temperatures they are intended to be used). However, in two to five minutes on a conventional stovetop, cookware coated with Teflon and other non-stick surfaces can exceed temperatures at which the coating breaks apart and emits toxic particles and gases. These toxins are linked to pet bird deaths and an unknown number of human illnesses each year, according to tests commissioned by Environmental Working Group (EWG). DuPont studies show that the Teflon off-gases toxic particulates at 230°C/446°F. At 360°C/680°F Teflon pans release at least six toxic gases, including two carcinogens, two global pollutants, and MFA, a chemical lethal to humans at low doses. At temperatures that DuPont scientists claim are reached on stovetop drip pans (538°C/1000°F), their non-stick coatings break down to a chemical warfare agent known as PFIB, and a chemical analog of the WWII nerve gas phosgene. For the past fifty years DuPont has claimed that their Teflon coatings do not emit hazardous chemicals through normal use. In a recent press release, DuPont wrote that "significant decomposition of the coating will occur only when temperatures exceed about 348°C/660°F. These temperatures alone are well above the normal cooking range." These new tests show that cookware exceeds these temperatures and turns toxic through the common act of preheating a pan, on a burner set on high.

Tips on Safer Cookware:
After nearly five decades of extensive consumer and industrial use, some of the chemicals behind the popular brand names have been linked to cancers and even deaths in laboratory animals. When heated, cookware coated with Teflon and other non-stick surfaces emits fumes that can kill birds and potentially sicken people. You can avoid exposures to the fumes from Teflon and other non-stick cookware by phasing out your home use of these products. If you can afford to replace your non-stick cookware now, do so.

1) Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a terrific alternative to a non-stick cooking surface. Most chefs agree that stainless steel browns foods better than non-stick surfaces.

2) Gastrolux Cookware
It is the only range of non-stick cookware we have found that is tested not to produce toxic emissions, and has a non-stick surface that really works well. Click here to check out our range of Gastrolux cookware.

3) Cast iron
Cast iron remains a great alternative to non-stick cooking surfaces. Cast iron can be pre-heated to temperatures that will brown meat and will withstand oven temperatures well above what is considered safe for non-stick pans.

For a printable PDF file outlining cooking temperatures in telfon pans and the corresponding chemical release from EWG.

For more information on non stick cookware see this article from the Natural News team - Non-Stick Cookware Chemicals Cause 150 Percent Increase in Infertility

Which Ingredients Should I Be Concerned About?

There are many toxic ingredients used in a large number of common products that have been found to be unsafe. Here are some of the most common ones that should be avoided at all costs.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): one of the most commonly used foaming agents found in shampoos, body washes, bubble bath, toothpaste and cosmetic cleansers. Also used in car washes, garage floor cleaner and engine degreasers.
o Side effects may cause improper eye development in children and is a skin irritant.
o SLS can damage the immune system causing separation of skin layers and severe irritation of the skin. On the scalp, long term exposure to SLS can cause hair loss due to corrosion of hair follicles.

Propylene Glycol: petrochemical solvent used as a humectant. A humectant is a substance that helps retain moisture content. It prevents things from drying out. Used in anti-freeze, brake and hydraulic fluid and pet food. Also in many cosmetics and personal care items.
o Readily absorbed in the skin and scalp. No value to the skin, this ingredient is included ensuring the cream or lotion glides on skin easily.
o Propylene Glycol accumulates in the heart, liver and kidneys and weakens the immune system.
o It inhibits skin cell growth in human tests and can damage cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin and surface damage.

Alcohol: High alcohol content particularly in mouthwashes, should be avoided. A 1991 survey of people with mouth, tongue or throat cancers suggests that the use of high-alcohol (more than 25%) mouthwash contributes to increased risk of these tumours.

Fluoride: found in toothpaste and dental care products. It is poison to humans when ingested over long periods as it accumulates in our body tissues. “Fluoride is a known carcinogen and teratogen, decreases fertility in women and is not approved by the FDA in the United States. Fluoride has been removed from various animal feed because it was causing birth defects in offspring. The growing scientific consensus is that fluoride provides no benefit to teeth but does cause damage to the bones and organs in the body.” P. Dingle. Cosmetics and Personal Care, Dangerous Beauty. 1999 Pp 17.

TALC: Is associated with an increase in ovarian cancer and respiratory illness. Talc should never be used on babies both because of its carcinogenetic and acute respiratory distress it can cause from inhalation.

Formaldehyde: The chemical name is Formalin and this is often printed on labels. Used mainly as a preservative in shampoos, baby washes, mascara, creams, bubble baths, anti dandruff shampoos and some deodorants. A common ingredient in fabric softeners and is used in glue preparations for carpets, panel boards and melamine. It is known to cause eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, asthma attacks, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, nose bleeds, headaches and dizziness. Be sure to open doors and windows for airflow and avoid products containing this toxic ingredient.

Diethanolamine (DEA) Triethenolamine (TEA) Monoethanolamine (MEA) Are readily absorbed through the skin and accumulate in organs. DEA, TEA & MEA are skin and eye irritants. When found in products containing nitrates they can chemically convert to form nitrosamines which are potentially carcinogenic.

Toluene: A very common solvent found in nail enamels, spray cans, hair spray, hair gel perfumes and fragrances. It triggers asthma attacks and can cause asthma in previously healthy people. Is also a neurotoxin (adverse nervous system effects). Can cause liver damage and be an endocrine disrupter.

Aluminium: Found in antiperspirants. Links to Alzheimer’s disease continue to be explored and debated. It has been identified as a neurotoxin which can actively interfere with many chemical reactions in the brain.
PEG Laureth (ethoxylated) may contain dioxane which is potentially cancer causing, estrogen mimic, and endocrine disrupter.

Check your bathroom with this list now! If any of your products contain these ingredients it is your responsibility to learn more.

References and recommended reading:
Cosmetic and Personal Care, Dangerous Beauty: Peter Dingle & Toni Brown, The Chemical Maze: Bill Stratham, What’s in your cosmetics: Aubrey Hampton, Organica Press


Public speaker, author and ambassador for the next generation, Keeta Gibson publishes the popular e-newsletter from Non Toxic Life, your online eco-store for pure, natural everyday products and earthwise goods. Get your FREE tips on health and wellbeing and everything environmentally friendly now at www.NonToxicLife.com.au