Teflon is an artificial polymer identified for its non-stick properties (Representational)
An Instagram reel flagged by a First Test reader claims that the teflon-coated aluminium utensils are dangerous to well being and urges viewers to discard them.
The put up from the account “@understandhealth” highlights potential risks of utilizing teflon utensils with out corroborating it with any scientific proof.
“Aluminium [utensil] that’s in direct contact with the meals and Teflon that has been scratched must be thrown out (sic),” the speaker within the video will be heard saying on the channel with round 23,200 followers and 170 posts up to now.
The reel has acquired a whole bunch of views and likes.
What’s Teflon?
Teflon, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is an artificial polymer identified for its non-stick properties. It’s broadly utilized in cookware for its resistance to warmth and ease of cleansing. Though PTFE itself is taken into account secure, considerations come up because of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical previously utilized in its manufacturing.
PFOA belongs to a bunch of chemical substances referred to as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). They’re proof against warmth, grease, oil, and water. Generally known as ‘forever chemicals‘ because of their persistence in each the setting and the human physique, they’re linked to well being points similar to liver injury, thyroid problems, weight problems, fertility issues, and most cancers.
Studies additionally recommend an elevated threat of testicular cancer and kidney cancer with elevated PFOA publicity. Nonetheless, because of these considerations, PFOA was phased out of Teflon manufacturing by 2013. Fashionable non-stick pans at the moment are made with out PFOA, lowering potential dangers.
Dangers of Overheating Teflon
Whereas Teflon is steady below typical cooking circumstances, it might probably launch poisonous fumes when heated above 260°C (500°F). A excessive temperature on a gasoline range usually ranges from about 204°C to 260°C (400°F to 500°F).
In response to this study, heating above these temperatures could cause polymer fume fever or “Teflon flu,” which presents flu-like signs similar to chills, fever, and complications. Nonetheless, extreme well being points, similar to lung injury, happen solely below excessive circumstances, just like the utensil’s extended publicity to temperatures exceeding 730°F (390°C).
A study printed within the Nationwide Medical Journal of India (NMJI) states that “meals components, consuming water, and leaching from aluminium cooking utensils are a few of the sources of publicity to aluminium.”
“Leaching of aluminium from cooking utensils will depend on a number of elements similar to pH, temperature, cooking medium, meals composition, and the presence of fluoride, sugar, salt, and natural acids,” the examine provides.
Conclusion
Claims that Teflon cookware is inherently dangerous is deceptive. By following secure cooking practices, the non-stick cookware can be utilized with out compromising well being.
(This story was initially printed by First Check, and republished by NDTV as a part of the Shakti Collective)