When you’re cooking an egg in a pan, it can be the most frustrating thing when the bottom starts to stick. No amount of olive oil or scraping will get it unstuck and you’re left with a bit of a mess.
So, it’s no wonder non-stick cookware is such a covenant piece of equipment in the kitchen. But recent studies have revealed it’s not what it’s all cracked up to be. Enter: the Teflon flu.
With Google searches reading “How unhealthy are non-stick pans?” “Which non-stick pans are non-toxic?” and “Should I stop using non-stick pans?” we decided to do a deep dive into the supposed dangers, the “Teflon flu” and what it means for your kitchen and health.
Non-stick cookware, explained
The beauty of a non-stick pan is, well, it doesn’t stick. Many will choose to use this form of cookware as it can make cooking easier, requires less oil and the clean-up is minimal. However concerns have been raised over the non-stick coating on these pots and pans. Called ‘Teflon’, the brand name for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the broad term for thousands of different chemicals.
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As Professor Oliver A.H. Jones from RMIT University explains it, the concern many people have over PTFE is that it is a forever chemical. “Forever chemicals is the common phrase for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a family of man-made chemicals based on carbon-fluorine bonds,” he says.
But why use these so-called forever chemicals in the first place? They’re meant to be highly indestructible and coating allows pots and pans to be non-stick, stain-resistant and waterproof.
Wait, so is non-stick cookware not safe?
Our Place founder, Shiza Shahid reiterates that the biggest concern when choosing cookware is making sure PFAS are not present.
“These compounds accumulate in the body over time and have been linked to infertility, gut microbiome disruption, and other serious health risks. PFAS are especially common in non-stick pans, air fryers, and other kitchen tools,” she says.
As a “forever chemical” PFAS can linger in the environment while polluting everything around us. What’s interesting to note is while yes, PFAS used to make Teflon cookware are recognised around the world as being toxic to humans and wildlife, it has largely been discontinued and many brands do not use these chemicals anymore.
“The concern many have about nonstick cookware is because before 2013, PFOA was used to make Teflon. But it’s been a decade and this is no longer the case,” Jones explains further.
What is ‘Teflon flu’?
Also called polymer fume fever, the Teflon flu is the name given to a flu-like illness that is caused by inhaling fumes released by pans coated in PTFE. This can occur when you’re cooking at extremely high temperatures or you may leave your pan to accidently overheat and dry out. According to the US poison control, the Teflon coating can start to break down when exposed to temperatures above 500°F (around 260°C) as well as scratches on the surface of your pans.
There have been a number of cases surrounding Teflon flu, especially in America where they have different standards in their cookware. It was only in February of last year that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that grease-proofing substances containing PFAS would no longer be sold.
What are the symptoms of Teflon flu?
Some of the symptoms associated with Teflon flu include:
- Headaches
- A fever
- A spike in temperature
- Shivering or chills
- Muscle cramps
- Feeling weak or low in energy
- Coughing
- Nausea
How do you treat Teflon flu?
If you believe you have Teflon flu, it is usually something you can self-treat at home. Take a moment to lay down, hydrate and remove yourself from the area. Over-the-counter medicine like Panadol or Nurofen should help, too if you develop headaches. Once you’ve had a moment, be sure to air out the kitchen and get some rest. If you notice symptoms, though, you should always reach out to your doctor.
Should I throw out old Teflon pans?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. While it may be a little soul-destroying to throw away something you spend your hard-earned dollars on, old Teflon pans, especially those made before 2013 or if they’ve been imported internationally pose the risk of still containing PFOA or PFAS.
What is the safest cookware to use to avoid Teflon flu?
There are a number of different options you can choose from if you decide Teflon isn’t right for you and your household. Other safe alternatives include stainless steel, ceramic, cast iron and titanium.
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This article provides general information only. For customised medical support, please seek the advice of your GP or healthcare professional.
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