Are Teflon Pans Safe?

ABC 9 Cincinnati, John Matarese
Published January 27, 2006

A new EPA rule could mean big changes ahead in the way millions of us cook our dinner. It's possible that in just a few years, teflon pots and pans could disappear for good! ---------------- DuPont and 7 other companies have agreed to stop using the main chemical in teflon -- PFOA -- because of links to cancer and birth defects. Kenneth Cook, Environmental Working Group: "It's found in everything from newborn babies to whales in the ocean. Its indestructible, and lasts forever." So DuPont has agreed to cut 95% of pfoa production in the next 4 years. But what does that mean here in our kitchens, where more than half of all us households have teflon pans? The manufacturers hope to find a replacement... So they can continue to make non stick pans. Now the good news: You don't have to stop using your teflon pots and pans. The EPA says that these pans are completely safe.... in normal use. ------------ That's because the EPA says teflon pans do not give off any fumes in everyday cooking. Only if they are scalded, left empty on a burning hot stove, can chemicals leach out. So current teflon pans will continue to be sold in stores at least for a few more years. Bottom line: The government says teflon pans remains safe for everyday use, And says you can continue to use them until they wear out. So dont waste your money. I'm John Matarese.