(URGENT) Will you fall victim to the “Teflon flu”?

Do me a favor: Go to your kitchen and check your cookware.

Does it have a non-stick coating?

If so, listen up…

Because you could be the next victim of “Teflon flu.”

An insidious dinner guest

According to America’s Poison Centers—a non-profit organization that keeps tabs on over 55 poison centers across the country—the U.S. is experiencing an uptick in cases of the “Teflon flu.”

Teflon is the non-stick coating on many popular cookware brands. Its chemical name is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

PTFE was discovered in the 1930s and has been used to create waterproof fabric, implantable devices, and of course—non-stick cookware.

But according to research, that cookware might be the most insidious thing in your kitchen…

See, when your Teflon cookware is overheated, it can release fumes that can actually induce flu-like symptoms.

(Not to mention, the toxic chemicals going into the food you’re cooking might also be contributing to health issues.)

Non-distinguishable (but scary) symptoms

The first cases of Teflon flu come from occupational exposures in 1951.

And over the last several decades, researchers have been investigating what these chemicals—including PTFE and other fluorocarbon polymers—might be doing to our health.

Symptoms of Teflon flu usually start within a few hours of exposure and resolve after a few days.

Symptoms can include chest tightness, dry cough, fever, shortness of breath, or malaise—making it hard to differentiate between other illnesses.

In other words, it can be hard to recognize that your cookware might be “infecting” you. Especially during this time of year when we’re already dealing with viruses like the common cold, influenza, COVID-19, and more.

Bottom line? Throw those pans away.

Or—if you can’t afford to purchase a new set of cookware, you can still reduce your risk of ingesting the toxic chemicals by adding water, broth, or oil to your non-stick pan before cooking. (The key is to never heat Teflon when it’s dry or leave it on the burner for too long.)

In addition, make sure your kitchen is properly ventilated. You can look into installing a kitchen fume hood, boosting air circulation by opening the windows and switching on a fan while cooking, or purchasing an air purifier.

And be sure to tune back in later this week, as I’ll be discussing some safer alternatives to Teflon cookware. Keep an eye on your inbox!

Source:

“‘Teflon flu’ on the rise.” MDLinx, 08/08/2024. (mdlinx.com/article/teflon-flu-on-the-rise/5UXRgCUqE4845Kry8FUP8P)


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