Quite possibly one of the coolest kitchen inventions since the dishwasher. A famous mobster bears the name. What am I talking about? TEFLON. It probably can be found on most, if not all, of our pots and pans and is what creates the stick-resistant surfaces we have come to know and love.
Well its time to stop cooking dinner and start over. This time choose the pan that your mom gave you. The one that is so hard to clean because everything sticks to it. And you thought you kept it just for sentimental reasons.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), the chemical compound used to make Teflon, as a “likely carcinogen.” Until now PFOA has been classified as a “suggested” carcinogen requiring fewer precautions. Makers of Teflon are quick to point out that while PFOA is used to make their product, that it is not actually present in Teflon. PFOA seems to be used to make many of our products including computer chips, phone cables and firefighting foam. Despite DuPont’s strong defense of their product, a subpoena was served requesting documents about PFOA.
Yes. I’m saying that many are worried that Teflon might cause cancer. But don’t throw away anything just yet. The EPA won’t draw conclusions that using products made with PFOA will cause cancer. Instead it does point to studies in which animals were found to have four different types of tumors after having been exposed to PFOA. Officials will now be required to conduct cancer-risk assessments for PFOA.
What does DuPont have to say about all of this? Their comments include the following: “In the 40-plus year history of cookware coated with Teflon non-stick, there have been no reported cases of consumers contracting adverse health effects as a result of in-home normal cooking use. There is no scientific basis to support claims that cookware coated with Teflon causes cancer.” DuPont also says that PFOA is not in the Teflon coated pans because it is destroyed during the manufacturing process. Despite these comments the EPA seems worried, as I guess we all should. FYI: there are non stick coatings that do not contain PFOA.
So what are we as consumers to do? It seems that everything today causes some sort of health problems, especially cancer. I would suggest waiting until the EPA makes a determination regarding PFOA and (in the meantime) use questionable products at your own risk. They will conduct their cancer-risk assessment and then will inform consumers of their findings.
If Teflon is found to cause cancer in humans and you believe you have been a victim of PFOA exposure you will want to speak to an attorney immediately to preserve your rights.
By Lisa Zanassi
