"Teflon Flu" Cases Rising In US: Illness Caused By Overheated Non-Stick Pan

Jul 31, 2024 Anshu Bajaj

Over 3,600 "Teflon Flu" cases linked to nonstick cookware have been reported to U.S. poison centers in 20 years

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America's Poison Centers reported 267 illness cases last year, one of the highest totals since 2000

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Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), used in Teflon, is a PFAS "forever chemical" that can release toxic fumes above 500°F, causing "Teflon flu"

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Zachary Hudson, an associate professor of chemistry at the University of British Columbia, warned that heating Teflon pans releases harmful chemicals

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The FDA is unaware of safety concerns regarding PFAS in nonstick cookware, as their scientists review all food contact materials

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Preheating non-stick cookware can cause polymer fume fever if left unattended

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