Dr. Mercola July 12 2005 1,502 views
In a draft risk assessment based on animal studies, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruled that exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical used by DuPont to make Teflon non-stick coating, could induce human cancer risk.
However, it appears the assessment may have been too weak, for a new report released by an EPA scientific advisory board (SAB) stated:
A majority of the EPA board that reviewed the agency's most recent report on PFOA believes the substance poses an even greater cancer risk and is likely carcinogenic to humans.
The report also urges the EPA to conduct cancer risk assessments based on the variety of tumors found in mice and rats during studies.
The Environmental Working Group -- one of the leading organizations studying and monitoring PFOA toxicity -- hailed the SAB report as a way to increase pressure on the EPA to conduct additional risk assessments for liver, breast and pancreatic cancer as well as the human immune system.
Dupont's Defense
Dupont officials declined to comment on the report; however, they did claim (in a prepared statement) that human health and toxicology studies suggest that PFOA exposure does not cause cancer in humans and does not pose a health risk to the general public. That's interesting, considering DuPont's studies have found elevated levels of total cholesterol and fats (triglycerides) among workers exposed to PFOA.
Moreover, DuPont believes the data already collected deserves greater consideration in the EPA's final risk assessment, instead of strictly relying on animal testing models.
EPA Science Advisory Board July 6, 2005 (Free Full-Text Report)
San Francisco Chronicle June 28, 2005
Teflon-coated cookware does offer a certain level of convenience that is difficult to find elsewhere. But are you willing to sacrifice your health for ease in kitchen cleanup? I know I certainly am not, and there are many practical tricks you can use to achieve virtually the same benefit as you do with non-stick cookware.
Think about it seriously: Do you really want to exchange a few minutes of convenience for an increased risk of cancer and many bizarre health complaints?
My strong recommendation is to ditch these pans and avoid non-stick finishes altogether.
If you plan to continue using these products, please at least refrain from cooking with them at high heat or continuing to use them if they have been scratched, as both situations can liberate PFOA into your food.
The safest cookware you can use is ceramic-coated metal, as ceramic is virtually inert and will not transfer any metal ions to your food. My staff is currently researching specific brands to recommend and we hope to have some shortly.
For safe cooking, it is also important to use a stable oil like coconut oil -- vegetable oils are easily damaged by the heat -- and to not overcook your food.
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