# Teflon non-stick pans dangerous?
**URL:** https://community.clark.com/t/teflon-non-stick-pans-dangerous/1593
**Category:** Uncategorized
**Created:** [November 5, 2022, 10:56pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/teflon-non-stick-pans-dangerous/1593 "2022-11-05T22:56:46Z")
**Posts on this page:** 14
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@robertpri](https://community.clark.com/u/robertpri)
#### Post date: [November 5, 2022, 10:56pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/teflon-non-stick-pans-dangerous/1593/1 "2022-11-05T22:56:46Z")
This has surfaced before. Once they get scratched, I dump them. Best pan ever for me was an oil infused ceramic. But after x uses it was suddenly the worst. Everything stuck.
> **[Non-stick pans could release millions of microplastic particles in possible...](https://www.foxnews.com/health/non-stick-pans-could-release-millions-microplastic-particles-possible-health-concern-study-says)**
>
> A new study from researchers in Australia found that just a single small crack on the surface of a Teflon-coated pan could release about 9,100 plastic particles.
---
### Author:  [@ochotona](https://community.clark.com/u/ochotona)
#### Post date: [November 6, 2022, 12:14pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/teflon-non-stick-pans-dangerous/1593/2 "2022-11-06T12:14:26Z")
I’m going to try Hexclad which Gordon Ramsay is hawking. If it’s all metal.
---
### Author:  [@H200h](https://community.clark.com/u/H200h)
#### Post date: [November 6, 2022, 4:53pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/teflon-non-stick-pans-dangerous/1593/3 "2022-11-06T16:53:33Z")
We mostly use stainless-lined and cast iron pans and skillets, but according to [healthline.com](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nonstick-cookware-safety#:~:text=Generally%20speaking%2C%20Teflon%20is%20a,known%20as%20the%20Teflon%20flu.) when used correctly they are not a problem:
" Generally speaking, Teflon is a safe and stable compound.
However, at temperatures above 500°F (260°C), Teflon coatings on nonstick cookware start to break down, releasing toxic chemicals into the air ([18Trusted Source](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28913736/)).
Inhaling these fumes may lead to polymer fume fever, also known as the Teflon flu.
Polymer fume fever consists of temporary, flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, headache, and body aches. The onset occurs after 4–10 hours of exposure, and the condition usually resolves within 12–48 hours
([19Trusted Source](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25706449), [20Trusted Source](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4544973/))."
[Is Nonstick Cookware Like Teflon Safe to Use?](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nonstick-cookware-safety#:~:text=Generally%20speaking%2C%20Teflon%20is%20a,known%20as%20the%20Teflon%20flu).
---
### Author:  [@SonoranSilkies](https://community.clark.com/u/SonoranSilkies)
#### Post date: [November 6, 2022, 10:30pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/teflon-non-stick-pans-dangerous/1593/4 "2022-11-06T22:30:41Z")
> [@H200h](#):
>
> " Generally speaking, Teflon is a safe and stable compound.
>
> However, at temperatures above 500°F (260°C), Teflon coatings on nonstick cookware start to break down, releasing toxic chemicals into the air ([18Trusted Source](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28913736/)).
>
> Inhaling these fumes may lead to polymer fume fever, also known as the Teflon flu.
>
> Polymer fume fever consists of temporary, flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, headache, and body aches. The onset occurs after 4–10 hours of exposure, and the condition usually resolves within 12–48 hours
Teflon fumes are EXTREMELY toxic to birds, even below those temperatures.
---
### Author:  [@Tapstyx](https://community.clark.com/u/Tapstyx)
#### Post date: [November 8, 2022, 5:27am UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/teflon-non-stick-pans-dangerous/1593/5 "2022-11-08T05:27:09Z")
My wife and I are very happy with cast iron! We have cast iron skillets in multiple sizes, pots, dutch ovens, etc. We also cook on a glass top range with them. The heat distribution and time to heat are very efficient and fast. When frying eggs they slide right out. Clean up is no problem and seasoning after each use is quick with vegetable oil or whatever is nearby. The only draw back is one hand use with the larger pans. I’ll never go back to stainless steel or teflon coating.
---
### Author:  [@H200h](https://community.clark.com/u/H200h)
#### Post date: [November 8, 2022, 4:46pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/teflon-non-stick-pans-dangerous/1593/6 "2022-11-08T16:46:48Z")
> [@SonoranSilkies](#):
>
> Teflon fumes are EXTREMELY toxic to birds, even below those temperatures.
Can you give us a source for your information?
---
### Author:  [@ochotona](https://community.clark.com/u/ochotona)
#### Post date: [November 8, 2022, 9:48pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/teflon-non-stick-pans-dangerous/1593/7 "2022-11-08T21:48:45Z")
How do you season them?
---
### Author:  [@robertpri](https://community.clark.com/u/robertpri)
#### Post date: [November 8, 2022, 10:01pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/teflon-non-stick-pans-dangerous/1593/8 "2022-11-08T22:01:09Z")
Good question. I’ve been tempted to try cast iron.
---
### Author:  [@SonoranSilkies](https://community.clark.com/u/SonoranSilkies)
#### Post date: [November 9, 2022, 12:12am UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/teflon-non-stick-pans-dangerous/1593/9 "2022-11-09T00:12:51Z")
> [@H200h](#):
>
> Can you give us a source for your information?
> **[Dog Conditions - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery,...](https://wagwalking.com/care/conditions)**
>
> Dog condition information to check symptoms, discover causes, diagnose conditions, price check treatment and seek recovery.
> **[Teflon (Polytetrafluoroethylene) Poisoning in Birds | VCA Animal Hospitals](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/teflon-polytetrafluoroethylene-poisoning-in-birds)**
>
> “Bird proofing” your home is a great way to help keep your bird safe and healthy. After all, your bird's cage is its house and the confines of your home represent the bird's environment.
[Teflon Poisoning in Birds | Causes, Signs, Symptoms & Treatment](https://www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/pet-health/pet-toxins/teflon-poisoning-in-birds/#:~:text=According%20to%20Pet%20Poison%20Helpline,irons%2C%20and%20ironing%20board%20covers).
> **[Polytetrafluoroethylene Toxicosis in Recently Hatched Chickens (Gallus...](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3276392/)**
>
> Two groups of chickens (Gallus domesticus; White Leghorn; age, 4 d and 2 wk) housed in a university research vivarium were found dead or moribund without prior signs of illness. The overall mortality rates were 92.3% (60 of 65 birds) for the 4-d-old...
> **[Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon) Toxicosis in Ducks](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/animal-health-diagnostic-center/news/polytetrafluoroethylene-ptfe-teflon-toxicosis-ducks)**
>
> (NY) Three ducks were submitted for necropsy following sudden death due to exposure to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), more commonly known as Teflon©, a synthetic chemical that is highly toxic to birds when inhaled.
There are many, many more sources as an easy google search will show. Birds have a dramatically different respiratory system than mammals, and it is far more sensitive.
---
### Author:  [@H200h](https://community.clark.com/u/H200h)
#### Post date: [November 9, 2022, 4:01pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/teflon-non-stick-pans-dangerous/1593/10 "2022-11-09T16:01:36Z")
> [@SonoranSilkies](#):
>
> Birds have a dramatically different respiratory system than mammals, and it is far more sensitive.
I hear birds are susceptible to lots of things. A birding friend of mine told me that even avocados are deadly to many birds.
---
### Author:  [@H200h](https://community.clark.com/u/H200h)
#### Post date: [November 10, 2022, 4:03pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/teflon-non-stick-pans-dangerous/1593/11 "2022-11-10T16:03:03Z")
> [@ochotona](#):
>
> How do you season them?
> [@robertpri](#):
>
> Good question. I’ve been tempted to try cast iron.
Here’s a short version of how to season a cast iron pan:
> **[How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet](https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/how-to-season-cast-iron)**
>
> And what does it mean to season cast iron, anyway?
And here’s a longer, more detailed version:
[ ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4zW-C010oc)
---
### Author:  [@robertpri](https://community.clark.com/u/robertpri)
#### Post date: [November 13, 2022, 7:55am UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/teflon-non-stick-pans-dangerous/1593/12 "2022-11-13T07:55:40Z")
My Calphalon ceramic fry pans came this week. I am thrilled with them. I fry a lot of chicken, bacon, eggs, potatoes, and the pans literally wipe clean with paper towels.
---
### Author:  [@jimtoo](https://community.clark.com/u/jimtoo)
#### Post date: [November 13, 2022, 5:03pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/teflon-non-stick-pans-dangerous/1593/13 "2022-11-13T17:03:29Z")
robert, we’ve use the anodized Calphalon pots and pans for years. May be the best cookware we’ve ever owned.
---
### Author:  [@robertpri](https://community.clark.com/u/robertpri)
#### Post date: [November 13, 2022, 10:31pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/teflon-non-stick-pans-dangerous/1593/14 "2022-11-13T22:31:17Z")
jimtoo, fully agree! I also have several