Teflon Questions

[j_me7944]

I was reading in another forum on this board about a parront losing 3 of her birds due to a horrific teflon incident. I looked all over to find out what the issue is and can't find anything about it. Can someone explain what the warning is behind using teflon with birds around??

[chapala]

Any non-stick coating (including Teflon brand) can kill birds if it heats up to over about 450 degrees F. The coating starts to emit various chemical fumes as it heats, affecting humans at about 650 degrees, and causing "polymer fume flu". Birds have very efficient and sensitive respiratory systems, and they will die if exposed to the fumes. That's why it's very important not to use non-stick cookware in a home with birds. That includes electric waffle irons, griddle pans, toaster ovens with non-stick coatings, etc. Even if most cooking is done at lower temperatures, there is always the possibility of a distraction, a pan boils dry, overheats, and all the birds are dead.

Most bird owners use stainless steel, cast iron, the new non-stick "green" pans that are bird-safe.

[wildirish]

There are quite a few threads on here about this topic:

PTFE info

teflon

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Tetrafluoroethylene and Teflon

PTFE aka Teflon

Toxic Teflon

Really concerned about Teflon

DuPont in trouble?

New Findings About Teflon IMPORTANT!

Like the one links states Teflon is a brand name by DuPont, the main issue is PTFE's which are in most non-stick surfaces.

[Jag]

I know there is a temperature involved in emitting the fumes...but I'd stay on the safe side of the street. Pitch all your teflon, go to Target and get a set of other pans. If you like the non stick, go with the Green Pans. I know personally that although the stainless steel was cheaper, I'd be frustrated with the sticking issue. Don't take a chance with the teflon, it's just not worth it.

[wildirish]

Here is a link about temps:

Teflon It isn't just "overheated" as we think of, I think burnt LOL! Pans reach those temps very quickly. Knew people who lived near the plant in Va and there was something about Ptfe 08 or something being in the water and that the kids had higher levels in their blood than the adults. It was crazy, I had it posted on here, but now sure it wasn't posted before the crash a few years ago.

[wildirish]

Here is a link about temps:

Teflon It isn't just "overheated" as we think of, I think burnt LOL! Pans reach those temps very quickly. Knew people who lived near the plant in Va and there was something about Ptfe 08 or something being in the water and that the kids had higher levels in their blood than the adults. It was crazy, I had it posted on here, but not sure it wasn't posted before the crash a few years ago.

[j_me7944]

Thanks so much for all of your descriptive responses.. I have never heard anything about that EVER! I'm so thankful to have interested people on here like you guys =)

[asulli]

I learn something new with at this forum everyday! I did not even know about Green cookware. Thanks!

[failurebydesign]

Is this safe?

Earthpan 10-pc. Stainless Steel Cookware Set : Target

[chapala]

It sounds like one of the new generation "green" pans and might well be safe, but I don't have time to research it. Is is non-PTFE, which is the non-stick coating that kills birds when heated to a certain temperature.