Banning the use of Teflon in Non-stick Cookware
Human beings are often exposed to harmful chemicals in the products that they use on a day to day basis. Although most individuals do not know about the exposure, the chemicals often lead to health risks as they expose the users of these products to conditions such as cancer. The use of Teflon in non-stick cookware such as pans is associated with safety risks (Lerner). Most users are not aware of the dangers associated with the use of such non-stick pans. The chemicals used in coating the non-stick cookware such as Teflon present safety risks to the users hence the need for banning (Lerner). The paper provides details on the dangers associated with the use of Teflon coated non-stick cookware and why banning it is appropriate. A counter-argument is equally provided.
According to a web article posted by Two Kitchen Junkies, Teflon is a product that was discovered by accident. In 1938, Dr. Roy Plunket discovered the product while working for a company known as Dupont. The team thought it wise to conduct various studies and identify whether the new discovery would be of any use. The product was named and trademarked as Teflon after three years of research (Two Kitchen Junkies). The use of Teflon in non-stick pans began in 1960 after various studies.
Teflon is a product made from a combination of man-made chemicals. According to the American Cancer Society, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is one of the components of Teflon. PTFE is used in making the Teflon coatings on non-stick pans because it is among stable chemicals and does not react with other chemicals. The other chemical that is used in making Teflon is perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOA, better known as C8, is burned off during the process of making Teflon and its presence is minimal in the final product (Mohamed et al. 027). The process of manufacturing Teflon is rather detailed but the formation of PTFE involves the formation of polymers; a process better referred to as polymerization.
PFOA is one of the most harmful chemicals that is used to make Teflon. The primary reason why it raises a health concern is that, with its harmful nature, it can stay in the environment and the human body for long periods. The chemical is present across the globe in human blood but in very small amounts. The American Cancer Society states that high levels of the chemical are found in individuals living in communities where the water is contaminated by the chemicals.
The danger associated with the use of the non-stick cookware coated with Teflon stems from overheating. In an article by Healthline, Coyle identifies the dangers associated with overheating the non-stick pans whose coatings are made from Teflon. Although the PFOA in the pans is burned the process of manufacturing Teflon, small amounts remain once the product is manufactured. The presence of PFOA in the pans and pots made from Teflon thus present health concerns when overheating takes place. At temperatures above 300 degrees Celsius, the Teflon coatings in the cookware start to breakdown. The breakdown leads to the release of harmful chemicals into the air (Coyle). The cook thus inhales the said chemicals resulting in a condition known as polymer fume fever. The fever has symptoms such as chills, headache, and body aches (Coyle). Additionally, studies reveal that exposure to Teflon fumes equally exposes an individual to the risk of lung damage. Eating an overcooked meal from the non-stick cookware made from Teflon products equally present health risks.
The American Cancer Society presents the results of studies that link the use of Teflon to Cancerous conditions. According to the results presented in the article, the primary concern is not whether or not Teflon and other non-stick coatings cause cancer to the users. The concern is that the chemicals used in making Teflon, especially PFOA presents a significant cancer risk. To prove the link between PFOA and cancer, the article by the American Cancer Society reveals the results of the studies conducted in labs as well as the results of studies conducted in humans.
The studies in the laboratory were conducted on animals that were exposed to large doses of PFOA. The exposure of the animals to such huge doses of the chemical was to determine whether or not the chemical causes tumors (American Cancer Society). The results of the study revealed that the exposure of the animals to the chemicals led to the formation of tumors in areas such as the mammary glands, the pancreas, the liver, and the testicles. On the other hand, the studies conducted in humans are more of a comparison between the cancer rates in individuals who are exposed to the PFOA and those who are not exposed. The studies suggest an increased risk of testicular cancer in individuals associated with exposure to the PFOA. Additionally, the study links the exposure to PFOA to other types of cancer such as kidney cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and thyroid cancer.
A counter-argument to the banning of Teflon in coating cookware is practicing safe use of the Teflon coated products. According to Rohman, precautionary measures such as avoiding high temperatures while cooking may limit the risks associated with the use of Teflon products. Additionally, the cook should often be careful not to scratch the coating because a scratch can increase the risk of exposure to the chemicals (Rohman). Although the precautionary measures are elementary, not every cook is careful not to scratch the coatings. Additionally, it is always difficult to monitor temperatures regularly when cooking. The precautionary measures presented are merely based on chances. The best way of preventing the said health risks is by banning the use of Teflon in coating the non-stick cookware.
The ban on the use of Teflon is beneficial to humans and the environment because it reduces PFOA exposure. The kitchen should be the safest place for humans because it deals with food that has to be eaten. To avoid the use of Teflon coated pans and pots, individuals can resort to other alternatives (Sajid, Muhammad, and Muhammad Ilyas 23437). Ceramic is one of the preferred cookware alternatives to Teflon. Ceramic coated cookware is often resistant to scratching. It is essential to resort to ceramic coated brands that are free of cadmium, PFOA, and lead.
Apart from the use of ceramic coated cookware, individuals may resort to the use of stainless steel. Although stainless steel is not classified as non-stick cookware, its use presents no health risks (NEST & GLOW). The cook is thus not worried about anything leaching into the cooked food. Additionally, stainless steel is equally durable. Cast iron is equally an alternative for Teflon coated non-stick cookware (NEST & GLOW). The cast irons require proper maintenance for durability purposes. If seasoned, the cast iron cookware is often non-stick but not as good as ceramic or the Teflon coated ones. A buyer should be careful enough to buy the best type of cookware that serves as an alternative for the Teflon coated non-stick products.
Just as Annie Leonard states, ‘the human obsession with stuff is trashing the planet, communities and our health (Fox, Louis, and Leonard 22)’. Thus, there is a significant need for change. Just as it is in the case of Teflon, many individuals are still making counter-arguments on the importance of using the non-stick Teflon coated cookware. The truth is that the individuals refuting the dangers associated with Teflon know the harmful effects associated with the use of PFOA in making it. The more Teflon is defended, the more risk it presents to human beings. We ought not to be obsessed with stuff that we see to be harmful. If anything, various studies have proven that PFOA has a significant risk of flu and cancer (Grandia 21). The more we stick to the use of the Teflon products, the more risk we present to ourselves. We ought to embrace the use of the available alternatives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dealing with terminal illnesses such as cancer is quite challenging because of the associated pain and the high cost of treatment. As such, individuals must strive to ensure that they prevent cancerous conditions as much as they can. Teflon is made of PFOA which presents a significant risk of cancer and polymer related flu. It is quite ironic that the product is used in cooking. The chemical used to make Teflon is harmful thus should be banned. The ban on the product is essential because it limits the risk of being affected by PFOA. Additionally, the paper makes it clear that the ban on Teflon is not the end of the road for individuals who prefer non-stick cookware. Various alternatives can easily replace Teflon coated non-stick pans and pots.
Works Cited
American Cancer Society. Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), Teflon, and Related Chemicals. American Cancer Society, 4 Mar 2020. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/teflon-and-perfluorooctanoic-acid-pfoa.html. Accessed on 16 May 2020.
Coyle, Daisy. Is Nonstick Cookware Like Teflon Safe to Use? Healthline, 13 Jul 2017. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nonstick-cookware-safety. Accessed on 16 May 2020.
Fox, Louis, and Annie Leonard. “The story of stuff.” The Story of Stuff Project. http://www. storyofstuff. org/movies-all/story-of-stuff/(accessed January 2 2014) (2007).
Grandia, Liza. “Toxic Tropics: Purity and Danger in Everywhere in Everyday Life.” Journal of Ecological Anthropology 21.1 (2019).
Lerner, Sharon. “The Teflon Toxin.” The Intercept, series available online https://theintercept. com/series/the-teflon-toxin/. Accessed on May 16, 2020.
Mohamed, AbulFadl Mostafa, et al. “Impact of household cooking on release of fluorinated compounds PFOA and PFOS from Tefal coated cookware to foods.” World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews 3.2 (2019): 024-035.
NEST & GLOW. Why 99% on non-stick pan should be banned. https://www.nestandglow.com/life/teflon-dangers. Accessed on 16 May 2020.
Rohman, Emma. Why is Teflon so Bad and What are the Alternatives. EcoParent, 26 Dec 2018. https://www.ecoparent.ca/eco-home/teflon-really-so-bad. Accessed on 16, May 2020.
Sajid, Muhammad, and Muhammad Ilyas. “PTFE-coated non-stick cookware and toxicity concerns: a perspective.” Environmental Science and Pollution Research 24.30 (2017): 23436-23440.
Two Kitchen Junkies. The dangers of Teflon: The truth without the hype. https://www.twokitchenjunkies.com/the-dangers-of-teflon/. Accessed on 16, May 2020