Is Teflon a PFAS? Everything You Need to Know

Teflon is the brand name of a chemical coating known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which belongs to the family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS “forever chemicals.”
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C.L. Mike Schmidt Published by C.L. Mike Schmidt
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What is Teflon?

Teflon is a chemical coating that was first manufactured in the 1930s to create a non-reactive, nonstick surface. It’s known for its use in cookware, although it can also be used to coat other materials like wires or fabrics to make them waterproof.

Is Teflon a PFAS?

Teflon is not a PFAS itself, but it is made using chemicals that belong to the PFAS family. Specifically, Teflon contains polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is a type of fluoropolymer.

PTFE is produced through the use of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or other chemicals from the PFAS group during the manufacturing process.

While Teflon cookware and other products may not contain significant levels of PFAS after production, the chemicals used in the manufacturing process (like PFOA) are considered part of the broader PFAS family, which are associated with environmental and health concerns.

What’s the Problem with Teflon?

The concern over using Teflon has to do with a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, which is one of the most widely-used PFAS, as well as a chemical that has been classified as a hazardous substance by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [1].

Trace amounts of PFOA are found in Teflon cookware, even though it was meant to burn off during the manufacturing process.

Related Article: PFAS Lawsuit Update

PFOA Health Effects

Recent studies have linked the PFOA in Teflon to severe health problems including:

What are the Risks of Cooking with Teflon?

Using Teflon non-stick cookware as directed is safe. PTFE itself is inert, meaning it’s not going to react with chemicals inside or outside your body.

However, heating PTFE-coated pots and pans very hot (to more than 660°Fahrenheit), can cause temporary symptoms like coughing, fever, or a sore throat.

Related Article: Do All Non-Stick Pans Have PFAS?

What are the Environmental Risks of Teflon?

Despite PFOA being eliminated from Teflon in 2013, environmental groups are still concerned about PTFE products for their potential health impact.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has expressed concerns over the environmental impact of the chemicals that replaced PFOA in the manufacturing processes.

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FAQs

1. How long do Teflon lawsuits typically take to resolve?

Teflon lawsuits can take anywhere from 1-3 years to resolve, depending on case complexity, evidence available, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Class action lawsuits may take longer due to the number of plaintiffs involved.

2. What is the average settlement for Teflon exposure cases?

Settlement amounts vary widely based on injury severity, long-term health impacts, and strength of evidence. While some cases have resulted in settlements ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, each case is unique and evaluated individually.

3. What should I do if I have health issues related to PFAS exposure?

If you have health issues related to PFAS exposure, seek medical evaluation, document your symptoms and exposure history, and consult with an attorney experienced in environmental or product liability cases to discuss your legal options.

4. Are there alternatives to PFAS-containing products?

Yes, there are alternatives to PFAS-containing products. Consumers can choose PFAS-free cookware, clothing, and personal care products. Manufacturers are also developing and adopting safer alternatives in response to regulatory pressure and consumer demand.

5. What are the symptoms of PFAS exposure?

Symptoms of PFAS exposure are not specific but can include high cholesterol, liver enzyme changes, thyroid hormone disruption, decreased immune response, and developmental effects in fetuses and infants. Chronic exposure may increase cancer risk.

6. Can PFAS be detected in the body?

Yes, PFAS can be detected in the body through blood tests. However, routine testing for PFAS is not commonly available and is typically done in research or specific health monitoring programs for exposed populations.

7. Was Teflon recalled?

Teflon itself has not been recalled, but the PFOA chemical used in its production was phased out by 2013 due to health concerns. Current Teflon products are manufactured without PFOA but may contain other PFAS chemicals that continue to raise health concerns.

8. Can I file a lawsuit if I used Teflon but don’t have symptoms yet?

Some jurisdictions allow for medical monitoring claims, where individuals exposed to harmful substances can seek compensation for the cost of monitoring for potential future health issues, even without current symptoms. Consult with an attorney to understand options in your state.

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Reference:

  1. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-proposal-protect-communities-pfas-drinking-water

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