Posted on March 4, 2010.
Are they safe teflon Teflon Ā® was discovered nearly 70 years and has been used safely on a utensil more than 40 years. Teflon Ā® is used since the 1940s on the automotive, military, personal use, and industrial products. Many of Teflon Ā® coatings and other fluoropolymer are reserved for use in contact with food in accordance with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic and regulations, including 21 CFR 175.300.
There is a known health hazard associated with Teflon, the inhalation of fumes produced during the degradation of the coating. temporary symptoms such as combustion (known as polymer fume fever) may occur when the fumes of overheated fluoropolymers are inhaled. Generally, the fluoropolymer coating to be carried to an excess of 500 ° F to begin to deteriorate. The vapors are usually not issued until the fluoropolymer decomposes significantly (660 ° F). Fats, butter and cooking oil tend to burn and smoke at 400 ° F. When used properly Teflon ® non-stick products are safe.
State DuPont "Teflon Ā® cookware is designed and quality tested to resist chipping, which will only occur if cookware is misused. However, if the Teflon Ā® particles cookware is accidentally eaten, it no danger. These particles are not toxic. If eaten, they pass directly through the body and are not absorbed. The FDA noted that consumption of Teflon Ā® particles do not constitute a health hazard. "
In another case, for the last six years, EPA and industry reviewed to determine if PFOA effects of human health exist. PFOA is a polymerization aid, not one ingredient, used to help make fluoropolymers. It was largely suppressed during the later stages of polymer production and by the high temperatures used in most fluoropolymers are processed into finished products. The EPA said: "Although our risk assessment activities are not complete and new data may change the current situation, to date EPA is not aware of studies specifically on levels current exposure to PFOA effects on human health. " The EPA also said: "At present, EPA does not think there is a reason for consumers to stop using the products because of concerns about PFOA.
Over the past six years there have been rumors, misconceptions, and unfounded allegations regarding PFOA, its security and its effect on coatings and Teflon Ā® fluoropolymer others. To reduce the problems related to PFOA, the industry has improved manufacturing processes and controls to reduce use and emissions of PFOA. The EPA and industry have a stated goal of virtual elimination of releases of PFOA in the environment by 2015.