Teflon

Look to The Green Guide for information about Teflon, Teflon coating and other problem chemicals that pose environmental health hazards in the home. When heated to between 680 and 930 degrees Fahrenheit--scorching heat—the fluoropolymers used in Teflon and Teflon coating degrade into several undesirable substances including trifluoroacetate (TFA), a substance highly toxic to plants. Other problematic chemicals which have been found in almost all blood samples taken by the Red Cross include perfluorinated acids, including perfluorooctanic acid (PFOA), used in Teflon Gore-Tex and formerly released from Scotchgard. In high doses, at least one perfluorinated acid, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was found to be fatal to rats, leading the EPA and 3M, Scotchgards maker, to phase it out. Last but not least, the manufacturer warns that overheated Teflon and Teflon coating, such as in pans, can release fumes that can be fatal to birds. Maybe it's time to spread some vegetable oil on the cast-iron skillet and get rid of those Teflon pans. For more information about Teflon, Teflon coating other hazards in the home, read the articles linked to below.

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