News Coverage
Council warns of Teflon use
Published October 3, 2004
The Consumer Council of Fiji has warned people to be careful of buying products that have Teflon coatings because of the health hazard a chemical in Teflon has.
Council information officer Praneeta Singh said a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was a vital component in the manufacture of Teflon, the commonly used coating of non-stick pans being investigated in the United States because of fears it might cause cancer.
In July, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warned American chemical maker DuPont its Teflon coatings contained PFOA that could cause health hazard.
Ms Singh said Teflon was present in other consumer goods such as music supplies, gardening products, computer accessories, automotive products and medical supplies.
"The chemical does not occur naturally," she said.
"Phase out the use of Teflon and other non-stick cookware and other equipment that is heated in your home."
Ms Singh said research had shown if you heated Teflon coated equipment or cookware at high temperatures they could emit fumes that could be harmful.
Consumers have been warned to avoid buying clothing that bore a Teflon label or other indication that it had been coated for water, stain, or dirt repellency. Ms Singh said the council was working with counterparts overseas on research relating to this issue before it conducted research locally.