NONSTICK COOKWARE: IS IT SAFE TO USE?
As regional trainer for Macy’s housewares and bridal employees, I am quite aware of the debate over possible a teflon cancer link currently in the news. I own good-quality non-stick cookware, and I will continue to use it at home, in my classes and demonstrations.
My recommendation is if you own quality non-stick and it is not flaking, chipping or peeling, go ahead and use it. If you’re concerned about a teflon cancer link; however, use stainless steel or anodized aluminum cookware. Using non-stick cookware allows for lower fat or fat free cooking, and easy cleanup.
ACCORDING TO MEYER CORPORATION, A LARGE NONSTICK COOKWARE MANUFACTURER: There is no PFOA (the main chemical) in Teflon or nonstick coated cookware.
PFOA IS ONLY USED IN MANUFACTURING THE COATINGS, NOT THE PANS, AND THERE
IS NO RESIDUAL PFOA IN THE PANS.
DuPont and 7 other companies have agreed to stop using the main chemical
in teflon - PFOA.
DuPont has agreed to cut 95% of PFOA production in the next 4 years.
More than half of US households have teflon pans, so what
does this mean:
The manufacturers hope to find a replacement so they can continue to make
nonstick pans.
THE GOOD NEWS: You don't have to stop using your teflon
pots and pans.
THE EPA SAYS THESE PANS ARE COMPLETELY SAFE IN NORMAL USE.
Only if they are scalded, left empty on a burning hot stove, can chemicals
leach out.
So current teflon pans will continue to be sold in stores
at least for a few more years.
BOTTOM LINE: THE GOVERNMENT SAYS TEFLON PANS REMAIN SAFE
FOR VERYDAY USE. AND YOU CAN USE THEM UNTIL THEY WEAR OUT.
Source: ABC Cincinnati Consumer Report from John Matarese, Consumer Reporter