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our team of scientists, engineers, policy experts, lawyers and computer programmers pores over government data, legal documents, scientific studies and our own laboratory tests to expose threats to your health and the environment, and to find solutions. Our research brings to light unsettling facts that you have a right to know.
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Canaries in the Kitchen: Teflon Toxicosis: Heated pans get toxic in minutes
EWG Experiment 1:
Teflon® coated pan on a Whirlpool Gold Electric Range.
Test conducted on May 13, 2003 by Environmental Working Group. A 10" diameter aluminum Europa Basic Essential Everyday pan with a Non-stick Teflon® Classic interior was placed on the burner of a Whirlpool Gold electric range top. At time = 0 seconds, the pan temperature measured 73.5°F. The burner was turned up to the highest heat setting, and a timer was started. Using a Raytek Infrared Model Raynger ST Pro noncontact thermometer with an accuracy of +/- 2°F, the temperature was monitored every twenty seconds for 300 seconds (5 minutes). In this period of time, the temperature of the pan reached 721°F. At this point the pan was removed from the burner and the burner was turned off. The smell of burning plastic was noted.
EWG Experiment 2:Non-stick coated pan on a Tappan Electric Range.
Test conducted on May 12, 2002 by a university food safety lab scientist. A 10" diameter aluminum skillet from Dollar General was placed on the burner of a Tappan electric range top. At time = 0 seconds, the pan temperature measured 72°F. The burner was turned up to the highest heat setting, and the timer was started. Using a Raytek Infrared Model Raynger ST noncontact thermometer with an accuracy of +/- 2°F, the temperature was monitored by scanning the thermometer back and forth within the pan to obtain an average temperature reading; this was done every twenty seconds for 200 seconds (3 minutes and 20 seconds). In this period of time, the temperature of the pan reached a maximum of 754°F, and an average pan temperature of 736°F. The temperature was still rapidly climbing. At this point the pan was removed from the burner and the burner was turned off. A small line of changed color in the interior of the pan was noted.
EWG Experiment 3:
Non-stick coated pan on a Kenmore Natural Gas Range.
Test conducted on May 12, 2002 by a university food Safety lab scientist. A 10" diameter aluminum skillet from Dollar General was placed on the burner of a Kenmore natural gas range top. At time = 0 seconds, the pan temperature measured 77°F. The burner was turned up to the highest heat setting, and a timer was started. Using a Raytek Infrared Model Raynger ST noncontact thermometer with an accuracy of +/- 2°F, the temperature was monitored every twenty seconds for 300 seconds (5 minutes). In this period of time, the temperature of the pan reached 664°F. At this point the pan was removed from the burner and the burner was turned off. A scent of “residual processing oils” was noted.
