The previous year, many polymer fume fever cases were reported in the US, an uncommon disease brought about by breathing in exhaust from overheated nonstick pans. As per the Washington Post, US poison focuses archived 267 thought cases in 2023, one of the greatest numbers recorded starting around 2000, New York Post detailed.
Frequently called “Teflon flu,” polymer fume fever is named after the trademarked nonstick covering, Teflon, utilized on numerous cookware things.
The condition appears with symptoms like side effects, including fever, muscle pain, breathing problems, and headaches, ordinarily showing up within 12 to 24 hours of openness. These side effects are brief, specialists accept the condition is underreported, with many confusing it with the normal cold or flu.
Nonstick cookware, including Teflon containers, is covered with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a substance inside the bigger gathering of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known for their steadiness in the climate and human body.
These “Forever Chemicals” can require hundreds or even thousands of years to break down.
At the point when PTFE-covered pans are warmed over 500 degrees Fahrenheit, the covering can damage, and release harmful fumes.
Zachary Hudson, an academic partner of science at the College of British Columbia, cleared up for the Washington Post, “It’ll burn and release a very complex mix of oxidized, fluorinated substances. This is why they tell you: Don’t heat your Teflon pan to a high temperature.”
Cooking with nonstick pans has raised some concerns about potential health risks. While high-quality nonstick cookware is generally safe when used correctly.
To minimize the risk:
- Do not overheat the empty pan because they reach rapidly at high temperatures.
- Do not use the pan for roasting, It is safe to cook it at 400 to 500 Fahrenheit.
- Make sure there should be proper ventilation while cooking in the non-stick pan.