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February 14 2006
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It's Official: Teflon is a ''Likely'' Carcinogen

TeflonThe EPA has already urged companies to voluntarily ban their use of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) -- a chemical used in making Teflon.

An independent scientific review panel advising the EPA took it a step further, ruling Teflon and other non-stick and stain-resistant chemicals are "likely" carcinogens.

Cancer, Hormones, Immune and Nervous Systems

The panel's findings went beyond the EPA's current stance in two other major areas:

  • Future risk assessments involving PFOA should include its contribution to various cancers (such as liver, pancreatic, testicular and breast).
  • PFOA's effect on hormones as well as the immune and nervous systems must also be included in any risk assessment

"Just Good Science"

The upshot of the panel's final recommendations, according to the Environmental Working Group, was that far more stringent reporting was inarguably necessary and "just good science." It's very rare for the EPA to overturn a review by an advisory board.



Dr. MercolaDr. Mercola's Comments:

Of course, DuPont objects to the report, seeing nothing wrong with the EPA's for-right-now stance that PFOA poses no cancer risk to humans, and that reducing its use should remain voluntary. DuPont is, as you probably know, the same company that brought you silicon breast implants, as well as being the makers of Teflon.

They are no defender of or crusader for your health.

As I said not long ago, regardless of what the EPA rules, I urge you to take matters into your own hands by enacting a personal ban on cookware and paper products tainted with PFOA.

The first step is to toss out every pan in your house that has Teflon on it. The moment you heat the pan is starts to vaporize and this toxic chemical will go into your bloodstream. I know it is hard to believe, but it is true.

It took me a few years to become convinced, but once you are you have no logical choice but to throw those pans out and never buy another one. Gary Craig, the developer of EFT, had an amazing health recovery once he eliminated Teflon pans from his home. That was enough proof for me.

Many have asked me about alternatives to Teflon. Some have pointed out a non-stick, ceramic-coated titanium that is clearly not Teflon. I thought it looked intriguing, and on my recent trip to Costco I found this product. I honestly thought it might have been the same new titanium nanotechnology that allows windows to clean themselves.

The salesman was absolutely clueless about the chemicals in the pan, but so was the company when I called them up. I finally was able to get the name of the manufacturer of the coating and once I called them I confirmed that the coating on the pan was indeed not Teflon.

However, it was still a fluoride analog that was virtually identical to it. The only advantage of this product is that the ceramic prevents the finish from chipping as easily.

Lesson learned?

If it looks like a duck (Teflon) and works like a duck (Teflon), it probably is Teflon or something so close to it your body will never tell the difference.

You simply MUST throw these pots and pans away. Do not leave them in your home or you will be tempted to use them. Please believe me; I am absolutely convinced they are very dangerous and you should not be exchanging the convenience for the health damage.

And for completely safe cooking, it is also important to use a stable oil like coconut oil -- vegetable oils are easily damaged by the heat -- and not overcook your food.


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Community Comments ( 1 )
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Barbara Wolski
[ Joined on 06/06 ] [ Posted on July 8, 2008 ]
       
   
 
Novice User

So is the titanium cookware safe to use?  Sorry I am little bit confused.  

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