What is Teflon flu? Are you overheating your non-stick pan?

Over the last year, the United States has seen a significant rise in cases of a condition known as "Teflon Flu," with 267 reported instances. This illness, formally referred to as "polymer fume fever," is linked to the fumes released when non-stick cookware is overheated. According to America's Poison Centers, a nonprofit organization, there have been more than 3,600 probable cases reported to poison centers in the US over the past 20 years, with last year's count being one of the highest since 2000.

What Causes Teflon Flu?

The condition is caused by the overheating of non-stick pans coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a member of the PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemical class. PTFE, commonly known as Teflon, can break down and release toxic fumes when heated above 500 degrees Fahrenheit. These fumes can cause flu-like symptoms in humans.

Expert Insights

Zachary Hudson, an associate professor of chemistry at the University of British Columbia, explained, "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."

A German study recorded PFAS emissions from heating empty non-stick pans for half an hour, noting that the highest emissions occurred when the pans reached around 698 degrees Fahrenheit. The researchers concluded that normal cooking temperatures do not pose a risk to human health.

Safety Recommendations

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that there are no studies showing that PFAS used in non-stick cookware present a safety concern for consumers. However, experts advise against preheating non-stick cookware and recommend using medium to low heat for cooking.

To minimize risks:

Never preheat non-stick cookware.

Use exhaust fans or open windows while cooking.

Avoid using stainless steel or hard utensils on non-stick pans.

Discard scratched, peeling, or flaking pans, as a single scratch can release thousands of particles.

An Australian study found that a scratched Teflon pan could release over nine thousand particles, which may remain in the human body and pose health risks, including kidney and testicular cancers.