Beware Teflon Pan Fans

Frequent fryers take heed. Your non-stick cookware coated with Teflon or a similar non-stick chemical may be cooking up trouble. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has asked the US Consumer Product Safety Commission to put a health-risk label on these products due to possible problems. Canada has no such labelling, although Teflon-treated pans are readily available.

The EWG released a report based on US government internal data on perfluoroocatonoic acid (PFOA) and its salts, which are found in common household products such as carpets, upholstery, and cookware. Apparently, heating these chemicals above 500 F causes a release of 15 toxic gases and chemicals, including two carcinogens.

To reduce exposure:

• Phase out use of Teflon and non-stick cookware.
• If purchasing furniture or carpeting, refuse optional treatments for stain and dirt resistance.
• Avoid clothing with a Teflon label or other indication that it has been coated for stain resistance.
  

When buying cosmetic or personal care items, avoid anything with "fluoro" or "perfluoro" as an ingredient, including lotions, pressed powders, nail polishes, and shaving creams.

Source: ewg.org