Are Teflon coated pans a health risk?

Answer 1

If this question is based on the idea that Teflon that forms a coating may be shed by the pot and get into the food, no worries. Teflon is quite inert, and the body will just pass it through the digestive system. It won't be broken down or absorbed. It's non-toxic.

Answer 2

No, Teflon is not safe.

At high temperatures cookware coated with Teflon and other non-stick surfaces can break apart and emits toxic particles and gases. The fumes can sick people, but pet birds are even more sensitive. In cases of "Teflon toxicosis," as the bird poisonings are called, the lungs of exposed birds hemorrhage and fill with blood, leading to suffocation. DuPont studies show that the fumes can also sicken people, a condition called "polymer fume fever." The government has not assessed human health risks or the incidence of polymer fume fever from kitchen exposures to these particles and gases when pans are overheated.

Non-stick coatings can contain residues of PFOA (perfluorooctanoate), a chemical used to make Teflon and a breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on carpet, clothing and food packaging. PFOA is found in the bodies of nearly all Americans. It is a likely human carcinogen; it also has a variety of metabolic developmental, reproductive, endocrine, and neurobiological health effects. Many manufacturers of non-stick cookware have committed to eliminating PFOA residues from non-stick coatings. Available data suggest that non-stick pans are not a major source of PFOA in people's bodies. These exposures are more likely to come from stain- and grease-proof coatings on furniture, clothing, and food packaging.

Studies also show that most of the potential health risks from non-stick pans, such as polymer fume fever, come not from PFOA but from other particles and fumes that can come off the pan when it is overheated. While EWG continues to track the changes in manufacturing practices for non-stick cookware, we highly recommend stainless steel and cast iron as great alternatives to non-stick cooking surface.

Source: http://www.ewg.org/EWGFAQ#

Answer 3

You decide.
They do not recommend using Teflon for broiling and say that the coating if flaked off is non-toxic, but...
Their safety information seems to be based on "...cooks in more than forty countries around the world have purchased over two billion pots and pans with Teflon® brand non-stick coatings for home and commercial use. In all of this experience, there has been no record of any significant human health problems."
What is a significant human health problem and is that more than you are willing to deal with?
In the paragraph after that statement they talk about the cooking fumes can "quickly" kill birds. So can the dangerous fumes from a coal mine. Birds were used as warnings for miners to evacuate.

That said, I use Teflon coated pots and pans and throw them out if they get scratched or start to chip. I also make sure not to heat them when they are empty.

Answer 4

It is wise not to store cooked food in a teflon pot in the fridge. Use plastic or glass pot to sore food in the fridge, not cooking pot.

Answer 5

Possibly if left on high heat without food in them or until the food begins to burn. Teflon coated pans are meant to be used with medium heat.

Answer 6

It is safe to use teflon cookware.

Answer 7

No