For over 40 years scientists have known that the fumes from hot non-stick surfaces can kill pet birds such as canaries. So just how dangerous are they to you?
Several studies have been conducted into health concerns surrounding Teflon, the coating invented and patented by DuPont. The results have been disturbing, if somewhat inconclusive.
While the lethal effect on birds is well documented and not in dispute, much of the other evidence tends to be anecdotal at best. And some of it is downright confusing.
For example, the chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is usually cited as the villain of the piece and the root cause of the illnesses that have allegedly appeared in some users. However DuPont claims Teflon doesn't contain this chemical, although it is used in the manufacturing process.
Whatever the truth of that may be, it's certainly accurate to say that there have been a number of health issues emerging in the community immediately adjacent to the DuPont factory in Parkersburg, West Virginia; more about that later.
There also seems to be some disagreement among authorities as to the temperatures at which the bird-lethal fumes are given off. These are quoted as ranging from 285°F to 475° and more.
Since both these figures are well within the smoke points of edible oils such as avocado and safflower, keeping your budgie in or near the kitchen is definitely not good for his health.
But what about your health?
Human victims have complained of flu-like symptoms, some leading to respiratory complications, after using non-stick cookware. Some reactions have been reported as "severe"".
At least one report suggests that the fumes may be cancer inducing after prolonged exposure, although none suggest that Teflon itself is harmful if swallowed.
If the fumes are harmful to humans, then there is much more to consider than just kitchen items. Some brands of light bulb, portable heaters and even Gore Tex clothing are all produced using PFOA, the same reactive agent used in the case of Teflon.
Not surprisingly, DuPont denies there is any problem; but this hasn't prevented the company from paying out millions of dollars in compensation, not only to their employees but to 50,000 people living in the vicinity of the Parkersburg factory. You have to ask yourself "why?".
Complaints have included accusations of water pollution, high infant mortality rates and a greater than normal incidence of cancer among the local population. DuPont has never admitted liability in any of these cases.
While the jury still seems to be out on the safety or otherwise of Teflon in the home, even DuPont's own experts advise caution when using non-stick items, particularly with regard to high cooking temperatures.
And this is something you can rely on: when Teflon and similar coatings are heated to a certain point, fumes are given off. These fumes will kill pet birds that inhale them. It's therefore reasonable to suppose that other forms of life may also be at risk.
You can get more information on the Teflon debate from this address http://www.ewg.org/reports/toxicteflon/es.php
For a definitive article on the effects of Teflon fumes on birds, visit this site http://www.theaviary.com/teflon.shtml
Michael Sheridan is a published author and recognized authority on cooking matters. More information, articles, recipes and cooking tips can be found on his website at http://thecoolcook.com
![]() Google News Updated : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 18:55:47 GMT Export Tax That Angers Farmers Advances in Argentina - New York Times
New York Times - By ALEXEI BARRIONUEVO RIO DE JANEIRO - After a marathon session that lasted through the night, Argentina’s lower house of Congress on Saturday narrowly approved agricultural export tax increases that the government imposed four months ago. Argentine Lower House Passes Grain Export-Tax Plan (Update3) Argentina lawmakers approve farm export tax hike Publ.Date : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:36:35 GMT AT&T's Odd iPhone Offer - TechNewsWorld
TechNewsWorld - By Eric Benderoff Some of the details surrounding AT&T's iPhone prices make little sense, writes Eric Benderoff. The company will sell a 3G iPhone with no contract for a $400 premium. iPhone 3G line forms in NYC for a green cause Where the iPhone Failed Publ.Date : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 11:04:21 GMT Renault chief expects car industry consolidation - International Herald Tribune
International Herald Tribune - AIX-EN-PROVENCE, France: A slump in the global automotive sector could give impetus to plans for consolidation within the industry, according to the head of the French carmaker Renault. Renault CEO sees 'difficult' return from summer holidays for ... Renault's Ghosn Sees Carmaker Consolidation as Stocks Decline Publ.Date : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:00:44 GMT Alex Rodriguez’s Wife Left Him Over Alleged Affair with Madonna - People Magazine People Magazine - After putting up with years of flirtations with other women, Alex Rodriguez's wife Cynthia finally left the Yankee star over his rumored affair with Madonna and his newfound interest in Kabbalah, according to sources close to the situation. Madonna's other Guy is link between A-Rod, Lenny Kravitz Trainer: A-Rod 'brainwashed' by Madonna Publ.Date : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 17:45:54 GMT Republican Party ad assails Obama on energy - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - TITLE: "Balance." LENGTH: 30 seconds. AIRING: Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. SCRIPT: Announcer: "Record gas prices. For Republicans, the Senate outlook is bad How Bush Ratings Complicate Publ.Date : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 17:00:58 GMT Google trying to take privacy seriously - ZDNet
ZDNet - This week was a very interesting week as far as Google and privacy goes. First, a burglary (the same on that affected CNET earlier last month) was confirmed to have affected all Google employees hired before December 31, 2005. Court order on YouTube user data fans privacy fears • YouTube Ordered To Release User Data Publ.Date : Sat, 05 Jul 2008 23:49:42 GMT Muscle strain to sideline Gay for two weeks - Washington Post
Washington Post - EUGENE, Oregon (Reuters) - World 200 meters champion Tyson Gay has a mild muscle strain in his left leg and will be unable to train at full strength for up to two weeks, his management company said on Sunday. Gay diagnosed with mild leg strain Defending World Champion Is Injured During Trials Publ.Date : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:46:37 GMT Amazon Associate Store |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... While each country might have its own preferred style, "American... Read More For over 40 years scientists have known that the fumes... Read More In any number of cookbooks and recipes you will find... Read More Microwave ovens can play an important role at mealtime, but... Read More Flax seed will add a pleasant nutty taste to any... Read More Successful cake decorating is all about preparation. Baking and preparing... Read More High altitude baking can be a real adventure for the... Read More Cobblers and dowdies, crisps and crumbles, buckles and betties-what are... Read More Nutritionists tell us that breakfast is the most important meal... Read More A popular method of cooking chicken in recent years both... Read More If you find leftovers boring, uninviting or downright "yuck," then... Read More Ever go home and look in the fridge only to... Read More Love fluffy cooked rice but dislike the preparation time and... Read More Some of the best meals I've ever eaten were made... Read More Have you ever wondered how much a serving really is.... Read More COLFAX, WISCONSIN - June is Dairy Month and what better... Read More Every busy mom worries about how to prepare fast, nutritious... Read More "Thicken", or "Thickening" is a very common technique used in... Read More We're all looking for that perfect pie, or cookies, or... Read More Saving money ? is something we would all like to... Read More From ancient times till the nineteenth century cooking was basically... Read More Bread machines-wonderful inventions that they are-don't think very well. You... Read More Are you the fruit cake in your family? Before you... Read More Any liquid can be reduced just by heating it -... Read More Barbecue is a mix of talents. There is the choice... Read More
Adsense
websites
Hot Apple Pie - The American Apple Pie Legacy
Is Your Cookware Poisoning You?
Herbs and Spices - the Essence of Flavor
10 Convenient Ways To Eliminate Food Poisoning With Your Microwave
Flax Seed Will Add A Little Extra Flavor To Your Recipes
Cake Baking Tip Guide
High Altitude Baking - A Cooks Guide
Whats a Pan Dowdy?
Better Breakfasts Ideas
The Almighty Beer-Can Chicken
Two for One Dinners: Beef
Low-Budget Meals In a Minute
Rice Cookers - Perfect Rice Every Time
How to Care for Your Cast Iron Skillet (includes recipes)
What is a Serving Size?
How to Make Homemade Ice Cream (Without an Ice Cream Maker!)
Moms Easy Cooking - Fast Meal Ideas For Busy Moms
Chinese Cooking Technique: Thicken
Baking Perfect Breads, Cookies, and Desserts
Save Money ? The Crock Way
Cooking -- What You Need To Know
Troubleshooting Machine Bread
Fruit Cake
Reductions: Proving Less is More
The Right Grill for Your Barbecue
It is one of life's oddities that we take a... Read More
There are usually 2 ways of deep frying in Chinese... Read More
There's two basic theories on grilling corn. Some people prefer... Read More
50% Less Cookingwithout hitting the fast food button! Don't you... Read More
Many individuals agree that the sauce on barbecued meat is... Read More
Every busy mom worries about how to prepare fast, nutritious... Read More
We really like fresh bread while we're camping. There is... Read More
Bread dough needs to be elastic in order to capture... Read More
Fresh, uncooked veggies are so healthy and it's important to... Read More
Are my breads, cookies, or cakes baked and ready to... Read More
It wouldn't be summer without fresh mint in pots on... Read More
The best way to decide what you need in your... Read More
Muffins are a mainstay around our house. They are as... Read More
When buying apples, look for those that are firm and... Read More
"There's nothing more enjoyable than having friends and family gathered... Read More
For over 40 years scientists have known that the fumes... Read More
Have you ever wondered how to cut a cake? I... Read More
There's a lot of bread in our freezer. In our... Read More
Gluten is a substance made up of the proteins found... Read More
Would you like to lose some weight -- in your... Read More
Kitchenaid stand mixers are very popular in today's kitchens and... Read More
Dutch ovens were made for baking. In the hands of... Read More
Researchers have found that bacteria have a tougher time surviving... Read More
BBQ smoke is one of the easiest ways to add... Read More
Types of BacteriaBacteria are all around us, in the air,... Read More
Cooking Tips |