Is Your Non-Stick Pan Poisoning You? Beware of These Teflon Flu Symptoms!

Are you aware of something called the Teflon Flu? If not, then this blog post should be your must-read!

We all love to adapt to a modern lifestyle with a modern kitchen and utensils. Non-stick cookware has become a versatile and endearing addition to our modern luxurious lifestyle. These utensils are our helping hands to cook perfectly scrambled eggs. Who doesn’t love to have those on a bright morning? But do you know, your Teflon might unknowingly welcome something called Teflon Flu? 

All About Teflon 

Teflon is a synthetic chemical containing both carbon and fluorine in the form of polytetrafluoroethylene. This chemical makes your cookware non-stick and frictionless, so your food doesn’t stick to it. 

Developed in 1930, the PFOA was widely employed in developing resistance to the continuous exposure of your cookware to stains, heat, oils, water, and grease. The PFOA is the crucial ingredient in coating your Teflon cookware. While it was subsequently banned by Europe in 2008 and the United States in 2013, it still might be present in a few kitchens. If you are too among those who use Teflon cookware manufactured before 2013, it is advisable to replace it immediately. 

Are You Unknowingly Inviting Teflon Flu?

As the name suggests, your Teflon cookware is the essential invitee to Teflon Flu: overheating or scratching your Teflon pans releases a specific chemical from your cookware coating. When you heat your cookware, these chemicals are released into the air, and inhaling the fumes from it results in flu-like symptoms. This is called the Teflon flu. It is nothing but the side effect of your non-stick pan. 

Your non-stick pan is made up of forever chemicals that penetrate deep down when they enter your body. These chemicals are unbreakable. While there is no proper backing for why this happens, it might result from your lungs getting triggered by these chemicals, which ultimately results in flu-like symptoms. 

Symptoms of Teflon Flu You Need to Watch Out

Before you delve deeper into non stick cookware side effects, let’s tuck in a bit into the symptoms of Teflon flu - 

• Cough 
• Fever and chills 
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Chest tightness
• Difficult breathing
• Headaches
• Muscle and joint aches

Why Do You Suffer From the Side Effects of Non Stick Pans?

The forever material on the coating of your pan and the most probable reason for you to witness the side effects of non-stick pans is the PTEE or Teflon. This is usually a safe chemical. However, continuously heating your pan over 500 degrees Fahrenheit becomes a grave concern. At this high temperature, the coating of your non-stick pan starts deteriorating as the chemical gets oxidised and fluorinated into the complex mix that is then released into the air. Inhaling this complex mix can put your health at a greater risk. 

Who is at Greater Risk for Teflon Flu?

All those working in heavy metal welding industries and factories without proper protection masks or equipment are prone to Teflon Flu. They are generally exposed to heavy metals such as copper, iron, aluminum, tin, etc. 

How Should You Prevent Your Exposure?

Understanding and bearing the minimum risks associated with the side effects of non-stick pan cooking is a great way to deal with the Teflon Flu. Here are some of the most straightforward precautions you should keep in mind - 

• Avoid preheating your pan 
• Refrain from cooking food on high flames
• Avoid using steel-made spatulas
• Allow your pan to cool properly before you wash it off
• Do not put your pan into the dishwasher. Instead, I prefer handwashing. 

Conclusion

While we know that your non-stick pans are convenient cookware for your perfect scrambled eggs, you need to use those wisely. Prevention rather than cure will help you avoid the potential health risks of Teflon Flu associated with your non-stick cooking without compromising your health and well-being.