Teflon "disclamers"??

[Stasia]

Does anyone know if products are required to state somewhere on the packaging or in reading materials if they contain teflon products??

I am asking because we are going to buy an oil filled radiator (sounds like the best kind according to other posts!) and I am wondering if those types of heaters would contain any teflon.

Thanks!

[Valo's Moirana]

i would guess no - my reason for this answer is that often teflon is used just for seals and heat sensitive parts, and i haven't come across a complete part list when purchasing a conventional product (even on the research side, we often have to ask for complete part lists).
however, if you are interested in a specific product, you can inquire with the technical service department - it might require some patience, but i'm sure you can find the answer, and that way you can be sure!
hope this helps.

[cfulhage]

Oil filled radiators are safe.

[Valo's Moirana]

Originally Posted by cfulhage

Oil filled radiators are safe.

devils advocate question: for whom?!

(this is meant to be a joke, since despite being safe for birds, they sure pose a risk for the environment)

[Stasia]

Thanks Camille :)

Is it only certain types of heaters that you need to be careful of teflon? So all oil filled radiators would not contain it? I admit, I don't even really understand what teflon is exactly so I have a hard time discerning which products would contain it...I only know to watch out for it!!

[cfulhage]

The only heaters I know of that are definitely bird safe are oil filled radiators. I don't even know why they are safe and others may not be. That being said, I have a Lasko ceramic heater. As far as I know they don't "have" to tell you if there are any teflon components in the heater, so you have to call the company to find out, which is what I did. I've had 2 oil-filled radiators in the past, and they have sucked. They wouldn't heat anything but about a foot outward. Heating a whole room- forget about it. It must have been the brand because I've heard good things about them. I love mine, because it has an auto feature (you can set the thermometer at 70 degrees, and it will kick on and shut off as needed to maintain that temp.), it will shut off it tipped, and it oscillates. Plus, its much smaller than a radiator- much more practical for an apartment!

Fot the record, PTFE is the component of teflon that makes it toxic. So you don't just want to look for teflon, you want to make sure there is no PTFE.

[cfulhage]

Originally Posted by Valo's Moirana

they sure pose a risk for the environment)

I've never heard that before.

[Stasia]

Thanks again Camille! No be a total pain in the neck, but do you happen to know the specific name of the Lasko heater you bought, like a model number or anything? (if you happen to have it handy ) So you had to call the company to inquire about the PFTE then?

I love the fids to death, but stuff like this sure does get more complicated having them around, doesn't it? Good thing they're worth it!!

[FeatherLover]

Originally Posted by cfulhage

I've never heard that before.

Nor have I. Oil filled radiators are sealed, so you're not burning off oil.

[cfulhage]

No problem! Here is what I have: http://www.laskoproducts.com/heaters/model_5565.html, I bought it at Home Depot.

Yes, I called the service number and the guy assured me they have no PTFE or teflon components. Even if he was lying- I've had one running in my bedroom with Ollie for about 2 months now, and she's fine!