Beware! non-stick cookware may pose severe risk to health
- Teflon is a coating over aluminium.
- Teflon can cause cancer.
- It releases harmful gases when heated on high temperatures.
The luxury of never getting your food stuck to the bottom of your skillet is tempting to watch on the telly. And even more tempting is when it comes wrapped in bubbles and you can’t wait to cook the first dish in it. And, well, the rest is history. Teflon may be your excuse to fit in the modern day conveniences but, you must not overlook the many side-effects it can have on your health.
Also read : Health hazards of aluminium cookware
It may cause cancer
The non-stick coating that is used on non-stick pans has been found to release one or two-and up to 15- different types of toxic gases when it is heated to high temperatures. Moreover, non-stick cookware is made with a chemical called perflurooctanoic acid, which has been labeled carcinogenic by the scientific review panel that advises the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This chemical has been leisurely used in several household products ranging from cookware, microwave popcorn bags, and coated paper plates.
It may lead to hormonal imbalances
A recent study has shown link between thyroid diseases, Teflon and cancer. This study has also been published in the journal Environmental, which has affiliated with the National Institutes of Health, and has reported that people suffering from high levels of PFOA were more likely to develop thyroid problems and several types of cancers.
Also considering that Teflon is used to cover aluminium, which is in fact an even more dangerous metal, using non-stick cookware that have been scratched can be especially harmful. Moreover, several studies have found a link between Teflon-coated cookware and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Also read : How to choose healthy cookware for safe nutrition
How to be safe
The best way you can keep yourself and your family safe is by using cookware that is made from stainless steel or glass and ceramic. Also talk against the use of Teflon cookware with your friends and family.
Image source : Getty
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Source: Onlymyhealth editorial team Mar 30, 2017
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