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3.29.2008

Dangers of Teflon cooking

I've heard about health issues concerning teflon pans in the past but with so much going on in my life regarding food -- GFCF -- I didn't really look into it. Until now. So, I thought I'd share what I found.

The problem with teflon is that it emits toxins when heated too high. Studies have shown this. What's not shown -- independently -- is whether toxins are emitted at lower temps.

A great source to start with is the Environmental Working Group , which did a study on teflon. You can find it at: http://www.ewg.org/reports/toxicteflon.

The EWG simply recommends turning to cast iron pans. BTW -- while you're there, look up the EWG study called Skin Deep -- you should find a link on the front page. I use this study often to analyze the safety of cosmetics. Very good stuff.

I've read elsewhere that we don't use aluminum pots and pans anymore because of links and fears to Alzheimers disease. I'm not sure that's been proven. But, why risk it?

There's a titanium pan on the market called Scanpan, but I've read that it uses similar chemicals as teflon.

The Green Guide also has a very helpful article detailing safe alternatives to teflon at http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/ask/nonstick.

Here's what The Green Guide lists as good options:

-- KitchenAid Stainless Steel 10-piece cookware set, including 8" and 10" French skillets ($149; www.jcpenney.com)
-- Lodge unseasoned Original Finish 10.25" skillet, ($13.95) and Cast Iron Cooking for Dummies set ($89.95; www.lodgemfg.com; 423-837-7181)
-- Cuisinart 10" stainless steel skillet ($60) and 7-piece Chef's Classic stainless steel set ($260; www.cuisinart.com)
-- DeBuyer Lyonnaise Carbon Steel Frying Pans 11" ($44.95; www.broadwaypanhandler.com, 866-COOKWARE)
-- All-Clad 10" stainless-steel frypan with aluminum core ($84.95) or 5-piece set ($394; www.broadwaypanhandler.com; 866-COOKWARE)
-- Le Creuset enameled 9" skillet ($49.95; www.broadwaypanhandler.com; 866-COOKWARE)


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