| For over 40 years scientists have known that the | | | | some leading to respiratory complications, after using |
| fumes from hot non-stick surfaces can kill birds such | | | | non-stick cookware. Some reactions have been |
| as canaries. So just how dangerous are they to you? | | | | reported as "severe"". |
| Several studies have been conducted into health | | | | At least one report suggests that the fumes may be |
| concerns surrounding Teflon, the coating invented | | | | cancer inducing after prolonged exposure, although |
| and patented by DuPont. The results have been | | | | none suggest that Teflon itself is harmful if |
| disturbing, if somewhat inconclusive. | | | | swallowed. |
| While the lethal effect on birds is well documented | | | | If the fumes are harmful to humans, then there is |
| and not in dispute, much of the other evidence tends | | | | much more to consider than just kitchen items. Some |
| to be anecdotal at best. And some of it is downright | | | | brands of light bulb, portable heaters and even Gore |
| confusing. | | | | Tex clothing are all produced using PFOA, the same |
| For example, the chemical perfluorooctanoic acid | | | | reactive agent used in the case of Teflon. |
| (PFOA) is usually cited as the villain of the piece and | | | | Not surprisingly, DuPont denies there is any problem; |
| the root cause of the illnesses that have allegedly | | | | but this hasn't prevented the company from paying |
| appeared in some users. However DuPont claims | | | | out millions of dollars in compensation, not only to |
| Teflon doesn't contain this chemical, although it is | | | | their employees but to 50,000 people living in the |
| used in the manufacturing process. | | | | vicinity of the Parkersburg factory. You have to ask |
| Whatever the truth of that may be, it's certainly | | | | yourself "why?". |
| accurate to say that there have been a number of | | | | Complaints have included accusations of water |
| health issues emerging in the community immediately | | | | pollution, high infant mortality rates and a greater |
| adjacent to the DuPont factory in Parkersburg, West | | | | than normal incidence of cancer among the local |
| Virginia; more about that later. | | | | population. DuPont has never admitted liability in any |
| There also seems to be some disagreement among | | | | of these cases. |
| authorities as to the temperatures at which the | | | | While the jury still seems to be out on the safety or |
| bird-lethal fumes are given off. These are quoted as | | | | otherwise of Teflon in the home, even DuPont's own |
| ranging from 285°F to 475° and more. | | | | experts advise caution when using non-stick items, |
| Since both these figures are well within the smoke | | | | particularly with regard to high cooking temperatures. |
| points of edible oils such as avocado and safflower, | | | | And this is something you can rely on: when Teflon |
| keeping your budgie in or near the kitchen is | | | | and similar coatings are heated to a certain point, |
| definitely not good for his health. | | | | fumes are given off. These fumes will kill pet birds |
| But what about your health? | | | | that inhale them. It's therefore reasonable to suppose |
| Human victims have complained of flu-like symptoms, | | | | that other forms of life may also be at risk. |